Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve - An artificially created river, parallel to the Ill. Near Feldkirch Austria. (AT)
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Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve

4.7
·804 reviews·Charlotte, United States

Explore 927 acres of nature with free exhibits, playgrounds, and miles of trails for hiking, sports, and dog-walking.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve - An artificially created river, parallel to the Ill. Near Feldkirch Austria. (AT)

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 927 acres of nature with free exhibits, playgrounds, and miles of trails for hiking, sports, and dog-walking.

4.7
(804 reviews)

"A fantastic free escape with something for everyone, from nature lovers to sports enthusiasts."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to gravel; good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

🦟 Bring Bug Spray

Especially during warmer months, protect yourself from insects on the trails.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nature Center Exhibits

Nature Center Exhibits

Nature Center Building

Discover local wildlife with live animals, interactive displays, and a dedicated kids' corner. Educational and engaging for all ages.

InstagramReddit
Nature Playground

Nature Playground

Adjacent to Nature Center

A fenced, shaded playground perfect for little ones to explore and burn energy after visiting the center.

InstagramReddit
Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Throughout the Preserve

Explore miles of trails, from paved paths to gravel routes, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

InstagramReddit
The Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies

The Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies

Inside Nature Center

Learn about regional biodiversity and see important natural specimens housed in this dedicated center.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors: What to Know Before You Go

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve offers a fantastic free escape with diverse activities. Plan for hiking, playgrounds, and educational exhibits. Check the weather, as trails can get muddy after rain, and bring bug spray for a comfortable visit. InstagramReddit

Maximize Your Visit: Timing and Activities

This 927-acre preserve is packed with options from nature trails to sports fields. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you're interested in the nature center's exhibits. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Afternoons
Why
Family-friendly atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall & Spring
Why
Pleasant weather for hiking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of our geocaches that was recognized as cache of the week by Geocaching HQ. #geocache #geocaching #bamboo #water #adventure #treasurehunt #outside #creek #rva #reedycreek #geocacher #naturevibes #naturelove #fun #cute #groundspeak #geocachersoftiktok @Geocaching HQ
@geocachingbrettandbekah
13.4K likes • 231.1K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to gravel; good walking shoes are a must for exploring. InstagramReddit

🦟 Bring Bug Spray

Especially during warmer months, protect yourself from insects on the trails. TikTok

We will be at Reedy Creek Park this Sunday, 08/31 at 6 PM. Sound bath begins at 6:30 PM. Bring your water, mat/chair/blanket, a book, maybe your great aunt that never gets out the house, bug spray, snacks and vibes ✨ #thingstodoinclt #wlw #queer #SelfCare #soundbathsundays
@_lexamara
1.1K likes • 6.2K views
Reedy Creek Nature Center One of our go to places for a fun educational/nature day! This wonderful park has so much to offer . 🔸Nature Center 🔸Nature trails 🔸Fishing 🔸Playgrounds 🔸Basketball/ Tennis courts + Baseball/soccer fields 🔸 Picnic Shelters . Bonus for this park is that it's located right by Hodges Family Farm, so you can easily visit both for a full family fun day! Especially now in the ...
mother__knows__best
37 likes • 579 views

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

The preserve is large; a map helps you navigate and find specific points of interest. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventures, especially on longer hikes. TikTok

Reedy Creek Nature Center - 📍NE Charlotte We had an amazing visit to Reedy Creek Nature Center. The center has tanks of snakes, turtles, and a few other bugs. There is a great kids corner filled with books, blocks, stuffed animals and crayons/paper to color. Just outside the windows are tons of bird feeders, you can relax in a rocking chair and watch the birds fly by! The play area just outside...
lesliemcampbell
18 likes • 855 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Trails vary from paved to gravel; good walking shoes are a must for exploring. InstagramReddit

🦟 Bring Bug Spray

Especially during warmer months, protect yourself from insects on the trails. TikTok

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

The preserve is large; a map helps you navigate and find specific points of interest. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventures, especially on longer hikes. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Park

Leashed dogs are welcome in most areas, including a dedicated dog park. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(804 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve for its free admission and diverse offerings, from educational nature exhibits to extensive hiking trails and sports facilities. Families particularly enjoy the fenced playground and interactive elements for children. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note that certain trails might not be ideal for all strollers.

"Cute little Nature Center with some animals like snakes. Interactive stations to explore for little ones as well as a children corner with building blocks, books, a ready nook and more to explore!
There is a souvenir shop at the entrance as well.
What I really enjoyed was the fenced playground right next to the center, so you can just walk and explore outside, after the Nature Center.
Very clean and well maintained. And all for free!"

Vanessa

"2024.12.25 sunny 40s_F had a ~4.5 mi walk at the nearby (~10 mins drive) Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. Nice and clean, trails in good condition 👍 Encountered 5 friendly people and 1 dog while on the trails. A group playing Cricket (??) and another Baseball (??)."

01kk WAF00

"Well, this nature center has everything for everyone. I mean literally everything. If you have kids, they have playgrounds, library, museums etc. if you want to run, you can easily make 10 plus beautiful miles, if you simply want to walk, aw! Gorgeous walking trails. Basketball, disc golf, volleyball, baseball you name it. Nice clean bathrooms and employees at the information center are very professional and friendly."

Chet Budhathoki

What People Like

Free admission and activities
Nature center exhibits with live animals
Well-maintained hiking trails

What People Dislike

Some trails not stroller-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve is located at 2986 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Instagram

While specific bus routes can change, it's best to check with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) for the most current public transportation options to the area. Instagram

From Uptown Charlotte, take I-77 North to I-277 East, then merge onto US-74 East. Take the exit for Rocky River Road and follow signs for the preserve. The drive is typically around 15-20 minutes. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Nature Center and various trailheads throughout the preserve. Reddit

While there are paved and gravel trails, it's not always clear where biking is permitted. Stick to designated paths or inquire at the Nature Center for guidance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve is completely free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for families and individuals. InstagramReddit

The Nature Center is typically open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. It's always a good idea to check the official Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram+1

Yes, Reedy Creek often hosts various programs and events, especially for children. You can sign up for these on the Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation website. Instagram

Reedy Creek offers picnic shelters, and it's advisable to check with Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation for reservation policies and availability if you plan to host a group event. Instagram

Fishing is permitted in designated areas. You will likely need a valid North Carolina fishing license. Check with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for current regulations. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Nature Center features live animals such as snakes, turtles, and various insects native to the region. InstagramReddit

Some trails are paved and more accessible, but others are gravel and may not be ideal for all strollers. A jogging stroller might work on some paths. InstagramReddit

Kids will love the fenced nature playground, the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center, a children's corner with books and blocks, and the opportunity to explore trails. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, clean and well-maintained restrooms are available throughout the park. Reddit

The preserve boasts basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and a disc golf course. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The nature center with its animal exhibits, the scenic hiking trails, the playground, and the ponds offer great photo opportunities. The house ruins and old gold miner sites also provide unique shots. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can photograph the wildlife, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. The bird feeders near the Nature Center are a good spot for bird photography. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's best to check with the park administration if you plan professional shoots. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Look for the old gold miner house ruins and the large climbing tree mentioned by visitors for some unique shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve is a gem for families! The free admission is a huge plus. Kids will be captivated by the live animals in the Nature Center and the interactive exhibits. InstagramReddit Don't miss the fenced nature playground right next to the center – it's a safe and shaded spot for them to burn off energy. Instagram The trails offer opportunities for short, manageable walks, and some are even suitable for jogging strollers. Instagram Pack snacks and water, and you're set for a fun, educational day out. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

This is your spot! Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve offers a completely free experience with a wealth of activities. You can explore miles of hiking trails, enjoy the nature center exhibits with live animals, and let kids play at the playground, all without spending a dime. InstagramReddit It's an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about local nature on a budget. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Bring your furry friend along! Reedy Creek Park features a dedicated dog park where your pup can socialize and play off-leash. Instagram Leashed dogs are also welcome on most of the hiking trails, allowing you to explore the preserve together. Instagram Just remember to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash outside of the designated dog park area. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails of Reedy Creek

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve offers a network of trails catering to various fitness levels and interests. Visitors can choose from paved paths, gravel routes, and more natural, unpaved trails. The Dragonfly Pond trail is a popular choice, offering a moderate mile-long loop that can be challenging with a stroller but rewarding for walkers. Instagram For those seeking longer excursions, the preserve connects to a larger trail system, allowing for hikes of 10 miles or more. Reddit Remember to grab a trail map from the Nature Center to plan your route and discover hidden gems like old house ruins and a notable climbing tree. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Trails range from easy walks to longer, more challenging hikes. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, and consider a map for navigation. InstagramReddit

Family Fun at the Nature Center

The Reedy Creek Nature Center is a fantastic free resource for families looking for educational and engaging activities. Inside, you'll find tanks with live snakes, turtles, and other local creatures, providing a hands-on learning experience. InstagramReddit The center also boasts a dedicated children's corner complete with books, building blocks, and art supplies, making it a perfect spot for younger visitors to explore and create. InstagramReddit

Adjacent to the Nature Center is a fenced-in nature playground, offering a safe and shaded space for children to play. Instagram This combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor play makes Reedy Creek an ideal destination for a family outing, allowing kids to learn about nature in a fun and interactive way. Instagram+1

Pro Tip: Check the Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation website for scheduled programs and events, which can add an extra layer of fun and learning to your visit. Instagram

Beyond the Trails: Sports and Recreation

Reedy Creek Park is more than just nature trails; it's a hub for various sports and recreational activities. The park features well-maintained basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields, making it a great spot for organized games or casual play. Instagram For those seeking a more unique challenge, there's also a disc golf course winding through the preserve. Instagram

Additionally, the park is known for its dog park, providing a dedicated space for canine companions to run and play off-leash. Instagram Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the designated ponds, though a North Carolina fishing license is required. Instagram The variety of amenities ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're an athlete, a pet owner, or simply looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors. Instagram+2

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