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 trailhead location, parking addresses, special notes and hours of operation (with most operating dawn to dusk).
Happy hiking!
Harold B. McEachern Greenway
0.8mi in Concord
This wide paved trail 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
0.4mi in Concord
This natural surface trail runs along a disc golf course and is close to many other amenities in 90-acre Vietnam Veterans Park.
Hector H. Henry II Greenway
Made up of two segments, this trail will form the future 14-mile Greenway following the Rocky River through Concord.
Weddington Road Segment
1.3mi in Concord
The Weddington Road Segment 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.
Moss Creek Segment
1.5mi in Concord
Moss Creek Segment is a peaceful paved trail 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
1.7mi in Midland
This natural surface trail winds through 66 acres of alluvial forest protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. The canoe/kayak launch is just 300 yards from trailhead, and the rich diversity of this thick forest contains at least 48 different species of trees.
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail
Moderate 2.1mi in Mt. Pleasant
A natural surface trail and gravel road overland connector. Pass through a restored piedmont oak savanna and along fields of a local farm growing hay and grains. Be sure to 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
1.5mi in Kannapolis
A 10-foot-wide paved trail through Baker’s Creek Park connects with 8th Street Greenway and Village Park. Stop 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
0.9mi in Midland
This out-and-back natural surface trail features easy grades and gentle slopes with canoe/kayak launch a short distance from the trailhead 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.
