The best running trails in Cabarrus County

This beautiful covered bridge was built for the housing development south of the Greenway. It pays homage to the classic covered bridges of New England.

The Mallard Creek Greenway spans 4.6 miles through woodlands, creeks, and neighborhoods; the greenway connects to the Clark's Creek Greenway, forming a continuous 7.4-mile route. Paved and gravel sections provide accessibility, and the trail is home to tranquil ponds, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, with multiple access points, benches, and picnic areas along the way. The Mallard Creek Greenway is part of the Cross-Charlotte Trail project, an ongoing effort to create a 26-mile trail system. Parking is available near Kirk Farm Park and other trailheads.

The Mallard Creek Greenway spans 4.6 miles through woodlands, creeks, and neighborhoods; the greenway connects to the Clark's Creek Greenway, forming a continuous 7.4-mile route. Paved and gravel sections provide accessibility, and the trail is home to tranquil ponds, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, with multiple access points, benches, and picnic areas along the way. The Mallard Creek Greenway is part of the Cross-Charlotte Trail project, an ongoing effort to create a 26-mile trail system. Parking is available near Kirk Farm Park and other trailheads.

This 2.5-mile trail follows the creek of the same name. It's a great trail for walkers, but it's for cyclists, too. One of the most interesting things about this trail is a short segment of boardwalk over wetlands. If you want to keep biking longer, you can connect from this trail to the Mallard Creek Greenway.

Together with the Mallard Creek Greenway these paths offer miles of mixed-used access through a lush, tree covered area. With the trees and the creeks these paths are excellent places to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife; especially during the summer. Be prepared to share the trail as this area can get busy.

This spot is where Clarks Creek and Mallard Creek Greenways intersect. Both Greenways are popular outdoor destinations, especially during late summer and early fall when birds and butterflies are abundant. These greenways offer plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as great blue herons, gray foxes, white-tailed deer, and a diverse range of birds throughout the year. These multi-use paths are a mix of gravel, pavement, and the occasional bridge and are enjoyed by joggers, walkers, bikers, rollerbladers, and skateboarders. These two greenways have multiple neighborhood connections, making them easily accessible and a great way to get around the University City area. The Clarks Creek and Mallard Creek Greenways stretch over 7.40 miles, making longest greenway in the area. They are a part of the Cross-Charlotte Trail, a collaborative effort between Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte to create a 26-mile continuous trail for people to enjoy for both recreation and commuting.

Toby Creek Greenway is a paved multi-use trail that connects the Mallard Creek Greenway to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. There is a quiet stream that flows next to the trail, which is shaded by tulip poplars, sycamores, and box elder trees. From the Toby Creek Greenway, you can see much of the UNC Charlotte Campus including many or the buildings, fields, and athletic facilities. If you were to continue down this trail past the campus, you would eventually meet up with Clark's Creek Greenway.