For your safety and protection, please stay on designated trails and hiking areas. Also, many rare plants live on thin soils and wet rocks and are vulnerable to damage from climbing, trampling, and scraping.
Camping
In North Carolina, it is lawful to camp anywhere in a national forest unless it is otherwise posted. In state parks and national parks, the following are prohibited: alcohol, the possession or use of fireworks, cap pistols, air guns, bows and arrows, slingshots, or lethal missiles of any kind. To possess a handgun within a state or national park, you must carry a concealed-weapon permit; in any case, firearms are prohibited in park offices and visitor centers.
As a courtesy to other campers, please observe the campground quiet hours, typically 10 p.m.–7 a.m. In any park or recreation area, sounds that annoy, disturb, or frighten park visitors are prohibited at all times.
Camping is allowed in designated areas by permit only. In most cases, campers register with a ranger on-site or at an on-site registration box. Fires are permitted only in designated areas and must be tended at all times. Gathering firewood is generally prohibited but may be allowed in some parks.
Litter
Littering is illegal in North Carolina.
To help maintain a clean and safe environment for park visitors and wildlife, place trash in proper containers. Wildlife may mistake plastic bags for food and may become entangled in discarded fishing line or other types of litter.
Burying trash is prohibited. Shifting winds and other types of weather may expose trash and endanger wildlife and the environment.
State law requires aluminum cans to be placed in recycling containers where available.
Business and Special Activities
Conducting commercial business or activity in any park is prohibited except during events governed by a special-activity permit. Photography or video production for commercial purposes is prohibited unless you have a film permit.
State parks allow for many recreational activities, such as bicycling events, marathons, photo tours, kite-flying contests, club meetings, and so on. However, participants in all such events must acquire a special-activity permit for $35. The permit application is available from the “Forms & Permits” web link at individual park menus or may be obtained from park offices.
Vehicles and Bicycles
North Carolina motor-vehicle and traffic laws apply in all state parks. Unlicensed motor vehicles—including golf carts, unregistered motorcycles, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, minibikes, and all-terrain vehicles—are prohibited.
Unlicensed drivers may not operate motor vehicles on park roads.
Motorized vehicles are permitted only in designated areas and are prohibited on park trails.
All vehicles left in the park after posted park hours must be registered.
No carts, carriages, or other horse-drawn apparatus are permitted on park trails.
In all parks, bicycles are permitted only on those trails or other park areas specifically designated for their use.
Bicycle riders under age 16 must wear a helmet.
Bicycle passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds or who are less than 40 inches tall must be seated in a separate restraining seat. All other bicycle riders must be seated on saddle seats. Persons unable to maintain an erect, seated position cannot be bicycle passengers.
Trail Etiquette
Always treat trails, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some reminders.
Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.
Hike on open trails only.
In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the website addresses or phone numbers shown in the “Contacts” line for each of this guidebook’s hikes to check conditions prior to heading out for your hike. And do not attempt to circumvent such closures.
Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorization as required. Also, leave gates as you found them or as directed by signage.
Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others you encounter on the trails.
Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.
Observe the YIELD signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. Hikers and bikers should yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders or horsepackers, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So that the horse can see and hear you, calmly greet the rider before s/he reaches you, and don’t dart behind trees. Also resist the urge to pet a horse unless you’re invited to do so.
Stay on existing trails, and do not blaze any new ones.
Pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.
Tips on Enjoying Hiking in Charlotte
It’s pretty hard not to enjoy hiking around Charlotte, but a few tips might enhance the experience.
First, check out all of the information listed in this book for the particular trail you consider hiking. Note the contact information and the GPS coordinates of the trailhead. The trail descriptions will help you know what to expect along the trail
