Whether you are an avid runner, biker, dog-walker or simply like to get outside and breathe the fresh air, there are many trails throughout Charlotte to get your steps in! Walkability is key and spending even just twenty minutes a day walking is easy in Charlotte!

Here are 3 perfect trails to try right near your Camden home:

1. The Rail Trail

• Location: South End, runs parallel to the Lite Rail

• Length: 4.5 miles each way

• Landscape: Urban

Photo by Madison Kash.

• Why it’s so great: Prepare yourself for a vibrant walk through the excitement and high energy of South End. You’ll pass by countless restaurants and bars that will satisfy every craving. There are also many stores along the path where you can find furniture, home décor, candles and Charlotte gear. Get ready to meet new friends and all the dogs – there are doggie bag stations throughout as well, so your pooch is taken care of.

Photo courtesy of Madison Kash.

• Along the way, you’ll see art installations such as the iconic red exclamation point, painted murals on the asphalt, and an interactive chalkboard where you can write what you want to accomplish “Before You Die…”

• Camden: This trail is literally steps from the entrance of your Camden home! The Rail Trail goes directly past four Camden apartment communities: Camden Grandview, Camden South End, Camden Gallery, and Camden Southline.

Photos courtesy of Camden

1. The Four Mile Creek Greenway

• Location: Ballantyne, entrance is next to The Shops at Piper Glen

• Length: 4 miles one way

• Landscape: wooded

• Why it’s so great: Enjoy the peaceful terrain and get lost in nature on this trail. Even on a hot day, the countless trees provide plentiful shade as you make your way along the trail which goes from dirt path to asphalt to wooded boardwalk over the creek. Your dog will love being walked here and meeting puppy pals in the neighborhood.

• Pass through fully bloomed trees and gorgeous creeks – you may even find a little chalk art work along the way. You can expect to find tons of greenery during the warm months – this trail is aptly named the Greenway for a reason! Also keep your eye out for the wildlife, squirrels frolicking and birds chirping cheerful tunes. Just be sure to use bug spray!

• Camden: You can start this path at its entrance or meet it in the middle straight from Camden Touchstone (1.0 mile away), which is just around the corner off of Bevington Place. This trail is also just a few minutes drive away from Camden Stonecrest (1.2 miles away) and Camden Ballantyne (2.1 miles away)!

Photo by Madison Kash.

1. Freedom Park

• Location: Dilworth

• Length: 1 loop is approximately ½ a mile

• Landscape: park

• Why it’s so great: this park has everything you could need – basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball field, 3 playgrounds including a Charlotte Panthers themed jungle gym, an amphitheater, gorgeous fountain displays and plentiful grass to set up your afternoon picnic. Walking or running through this park, there is no shortage of all you will see and can do before or after your exercise.

• Camden: Just down the street from Freedom Park, you’ll find Camden Dilworth (0.9 miles away) nestled off of East Boulevard with a walking score of 85.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tennis shoes, lather on that SPF 50, get out of the house, and go for a walk! Or run if you are so inclined. And bring all your dogs with you!