Green, Green, Green(ways)!

Looking for some fresh air? Cabarrus County has plenty of beautiful outdoor spots to connect with nature.

Concord, Kannapolis, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant are all part of the Carolina Thread Trail—a developing regional network of greenways, trails and blueways that reaches 15 counties, 2 states and 2.3 million people.

All suited for walking, hiking and running, these Greenways are the ideal spots to slow down in racing country. With the exception of the moderate skill level required to navigate Buffalo Creek, each trail is rated ‘Easy.’ Some are also suitable for bikes and even provide access to paddle the Rocky River. One-way distance is indicated below, but be sure to click each link for more details including trail head location, parking addresses, special notes and hours of operation (with most operating dawn to dusk).

Harold B. McEachern Greenway – 0.8 miles

This wide paved trail in Concord connects Downtown Concord with McGee Park and Les Myers Greenway. Find exercise stations for a circuit workout and plenty of covered benches for a picnic along the way.

Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway – 0.4 miles

This natural surface trail in Concord runs along a disc golf course and is close to many other amenities in 90-acre Vietnam Veterans Park.

NOTE: Construction of the first phase of the Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway is underway. The greenway can be accessed at three locations: Oakwood Avenue (across from the Lantern Green and Stonewyck neighborhood), Vietnam Veterans Park and Rogers Lake Road. Vehicle parking is available at Vietnam Veterans Park.

Hector H. Henry II Greenway Weddington Road Segment – 1.3 miles

The Weddington Road Segment of this greenway  is located in Concord and connects a dog park with Embassy Suites and crosses through a wetland. Marked with flags and painted stencils, the trail provides access to shopping and dining in the I-85 Exit 49/Concord Mills area.

Hector H. Henry II Greenway Moss Creek Segment– 1.5 miles

Moss Creek Segment is a peaceful paved trail in Concord connecting local neighborhoods. Crossing a wetland, this trail features educational signage, an observation deck looking out over a pond and viewing point to watch for birds and wildlife.

Pharr Family Preserve Trail – 1.7 miles

This natural surface trail in Midland winds through 66 acres of alluvial forest protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The canoe/kayak launch is just 300 yards from trail head, and the rich diversity of this thick forest contains at least 48 different species of trees.

Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail – 2.1 miles

This moderate, natural surface trail and gravel road overland connector passes through a restored piedmont oak savanna and along fields of a local farm growing hay and grains. Catch the view from a high bluff over Adams Creek that looks back towards the town of Mt. Pleasant.

Bakers Creek Greenway/ 8th Street Greenway – 1.5 miles

This 10-foot-wide paved trail through Baker’s Creek Park in Kannapolis connects with 8th Street Greenway and Village Park. Stops along the way include the Village Park Rotary Express Train and Splash Pad, and the historic GI Memorial House dating back to 1945.

Riverbend Farm Trail – 0.9 miles

This out-and-back natural surface trail in Midland features easy grades and gentle slopes with canoe/kayak launch a short distance from the trail head and 4.5 miles downriver from the Pharr Family Preserve Trail/Launch. Riverbend Farm is a pumpkin patch that operates during the month of October, so trail goers will enjoy the sights and sounds of an operational farm.

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