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All 75 Charlotte Attractions »

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC 28278
(704) 583-1284
Ranked #11 of 54 attractions in Charlotte
5.0 of 5 stars 9 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Most recent review
- 23 May 2012
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9 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    7
    2
    0
    0
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Date Rating
Ruther Glen, Virginia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

Took my son and nephew for tent camping. Very well organized and pleasant. Good place for little kids - playground right in the campsite. Nice trails. Took a little work to find where to make reservations. The first number I called said you had to make them 5 days in advance. The second lady said no and made our reservations... More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW

Great playground, great animal exhibit, excellent view of lake wyle More

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Charlotte, NC
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

McDowell is one of those places near the city but once you hit the trails you feel like you are in the mountains. The trails have a lot of tree roots and a few rocks, and lots of elevation here and there, so you do need hiking boots to travel this one. There are also camping facilities and believe it... More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012

Great for a quick get away & last minute camping here in Charlotte. Wonderful family friendly events all year! More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

Great spot to Kayak, Bike fish and camp. There a few campsites in Charlotte that can match McDowell Park. Some of the sites even have docks for your kayak or small boats. More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I have hiked here with my husband, family, and dog on multiple occasions and always look forward to returning. This nature preserve is open year round, is well maintained and has excellent service facilities and amenities. There are marked trails and maps provided for way-finding throughout the property. Picnic and playground areas are available, conveniently alongside nicely kept bathrooms. I... More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

We have been there in many occasions. It has wonderful trails and places to camp or grill. More

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Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 December 2011

Great views of the city. Several trails offered with varying lengths. More

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Virginia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
58 helpful votes 58 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2010
5
people found this review helpful

The preserve encompasses 1108 acres of forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie and a cove thereof. Over 90% of the preserve has been left undeveloped and offers terrific wildlife viewing and walking trails. The nature center served as a gateway with a trail map inside and housed exhibits with a variety of informative displays on the preserve's... More

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