Spending 12 days in Charlotte so we could get to know the area, take the ebikes on the Greenways (paved bike paths), and hiking the trails was just the perfect amount of time. We set up camp at McDowell's Nature Preserve Campground just south of the city. Most nights we only had a few neighbors; at one time there were only 4 other campers in the entire campground!
We have small, folding ebikes which ride in the back of the SUV when we are on the road and sit on a Thule ebike carrier when we're not pulling the camper. Because ebikes weigh twice as much as regular bikes, you must have a carrier that will support their weight. Our regular bikes weight about 30 pounds each; the folding ebikes weigh about 47 pounds each without the battery (the battery weighs about 9 pounds). Most regular sized ebikes weigh about 70 to 75 pounds each!
Charlotte has about two dozen Greenways; some finished, some will link up to other shorter routes, and some scheduled to be completed in the near future. For several of them we could ride about 13 to 15 miles through parts of the city, wooded areas, meadows, near streams and creeks, over boardwalks and small bridges, and through neighborhood parks. They were fabulous and I wish Florida would start such a program to enhance our bikeways and help people enjoy the outdoors and get exercise.
The Greenways were being used by joggers, walkers, and people pushing baby strollers. People were out during their lunch breaks to get some fresh air and exercise. So nice to see especially since we've been cooped up for so long!
Someone suggested if we were looking for a little elevation change, we should drive up to Crowders Mountain for some hiking. We took the 4 mile trail to Pinnacle Peak which was highlighted in the guide as "strenuous". Even as Florida flatlanders, we would say it was a "moderate to strenuous" hike. Gorgeous views at the top and a really enjoyable hike.
If you love the outdoors as much as we do, think about heading up to North Carolina. I know many people head for the mountains during the summer months when it's really hot and humid here in Florida. Maybe next time we'll head further west and do some more "strenuous" hiking! LOL
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