BIG ROCK NATURE PRESERVE
Explore Big Rock Nature Preserve in Charlotte NC: A Must-Visit Sightseeing Spot for Families
North Carolina has more than 6,000 miles of beautiful coastline. As one of the most popular destinations in the state, the Charlotte region attracts millions of visitors every year. For visitors and locals alike, exploring the area’s top nature sights is a wonderful way to spend the day. At Big Rock Nature Preserve, visitors will discover a hidden oasis of lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Home to more than 250 native plant and animal species, the preserve is a beautiful and educational destination for all ages. Located in northeast Charlotte, Big Rock is part of the 9,000-acre Craven Regional Park. It’s one of the many nature preserves operated by the Mecklenburg County government. This article will tell you everything you need to know about exploring Big Rock. From information about admission fees, directions, and activities, to recommendations for things to see and do, you’ll sure to leave Big Rock with a sense of wonder.
What to See at Big Rock Nature Preserve
At Big Rock Nature Preserve, you’ll find more than 250 species of native plants and trees. Among them are wisteria, tulip poplar, and magnolias. The preserve is also home to more than 60 different species of birds, including bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, and cardinals. Visitors can also enjoy the preserve’s many wildflowers. Visitors can also explore the preserve’s many walking trails. The three miles of trails are also home to several rare and endangered species, including the white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina chickadee, and brown-headed nuthatch.
Best Time to Visit Big Rock Nature Preserve
Many people visit the Big Rock Nature Preserve in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom. However, the preserve’s many native trees, flowers, and birds are beautiful all year long. Visitors can also enjoy the preserve in the fall. However, the preserve is especially stunning during the winter months. Southern trees, shrubs, and flowers often bloom during this time of the year, making Big Rock a winter wonderland.
Where is Big Rock Nature Preserve in Charlotte NC?
Big Rock Nature Preserve is located in eastern Charlotte, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 74 and I-85. It’s about two hours east of Charlotte, and about two hours west of Fayetteville.
Big Rock Nature Preserve History
Big Rock Nature Preserve in Charlotte NC was created in 1999 to prevent the loss of the area’s natural ecosystems. The preserve is home to 250 species of native plants and trees. It’s also a popular spot for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Many of the preserved areas of the preserve once belonged to a mill that operated in the area in the late 1800s and early 20th century. The forest that was left following the mill’s destruction was preserved to prevent future development. Today, visitors can explore more than 10 miles of hiking trails at the preserve.
Big Rock Nature Preserve Walkthrough
Admission to the Big Rock Nature Preserve is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged seven to twelve, and free for children aged six and younger. Visitors can purchase an annual pass for $50. The preserve is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Before visiting, be sure to check the preserve’s calendar of events. Big Rock regularly hosts walks, field trips for students, workshops, and nature programs for kids. The schedule can be found on the preserve’s website. - Get to the preserve early. The preserve gets crowded on weekends, so be sure to visit during the week. - Bring drinking water and snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled up for the day is essential for a successful visit to the preserve. - Wear sturdy shoes. The preserve’s wooden walkways can become muddy and slippery after rain. Sneakers and work boots are perfect for walking through the preserve. - Explore the preserve on foot. Bikes and wheelchairs are not allowed on the preserve, as it was created to be an ecological walk. - Visit the visitor center. The visitor center at Big Rock houses a bookstore, an education center, and a gift shop. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Big Rock Nature Preserve Tips
- Bring a camera. The preserve’s beauty is hard to capture with the naked eye, so bring your camera. - Visit during the week. The preserve is less crowded on weekdays, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors without feeling overwhelmed by other visitors. - Explore the trails. The preserve’s trails are not only a way to explore the preserve, but are also a way to learn about its ecosystem. - Visit in the fall and winter. Fall foliage, winter forests, and snow are beautiful sights at Big Rock. - Visit for a school field trip. Big Rock regularly hosts field trips for students from local schools and organizations. The tours and programs offered at Big Rock are well worth the trip. - Visit with friends and family. Visiting Big Rock Nature Preserve with friends and family is a wonderful way to spend the day. The preserve is a great place for families to explore together.
Conclusion
If you are visiting Charlotte, North Carolina, be sure to add Big Rock Nature Preserve to your itinerary. This remote oasis of native plants and animals is a hidden gem worth exploring. There’s so much to see and do at Big Rock Nature Preserve, and you won’t be disappointed by your experience. Big Rock Nature Preserve is a treasure of nature in the city. Visitors will find a beautiful and serene spot in the city forest, and they’ll love it.
Written Driving Directions From This POI To The Next POI
Start: Big Rock Nature Preserve
6500 Elmstone Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277, United States
Get on I-485 Outer from Ballantyne Commons Pkwy and Rea Rd
5 min (1.7 mi)
Head west on Elmstone Dr toward Thornhill Club Dr
374 ft
Turn left onto Thornhill Club Dr
0.1 mi
Turn right onto Meadow Run Ln
0.1 mi
Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
0.8 mi
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Rea Rd
0.4 mi
Slight right onto the ramp to Matthews
0.2 mi
Follow I-485 Outer to US-29 N/N Tryon St. Take exit 32 from I-485 Outer
25 min (27.5 mi)
Merge onto I-485 Outer
27.2 mi
Take exit 32 for US-29 toward Charlotte/Concord
0.4 mi
Continue on US-29 N/N Tryon St. Drive to Pavilion Blvd in Charlotte
1 min (0.5 mi)
Turn right onto US-29 N/N Tryon St
0.3 mi
Turn right onto Pavilion Blvd
0.3 mi
End:PNC Music Pavilion
707 Pavilion Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262, United States
Written Driving Directions From The Mold Girl of Charlotte To This POI
Start: The Mold Girl of Charlotte
4614 Wilgrove Mint Hill Rd Suite C9, Mint Hill, NC 28227, United States
Get on I-485/I-485 Inner from Fairview Rd
4 min (1.6 mi)
Head southwest toward Wilgrove Mint Hill Rd
72 ft
Turn left onto Wilgrove Mint Hill Rd
0.3 mi
Continue onto Fairview Rd
0.9 mi
Use the right lane to take the I-485 S ramp
0.3 mi
Follow I-485/I-485 Inner to Rea Rd in Charlotte. Take exit 59 from I-485/I-485 Inner
14 min (14.9 mi)
Merge onto I-485/I-485 Inner
14.5 mi
Take exit 59 for Rea Rd
0.4 mi
Continue on Rea Rd. Drive to Elmstone Dr
5 min (1.6 mi)
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Rea Rd
0.5 mi
Turn right onto Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
0.2 mi
Turn right onto Elm Ln
0.4 mi
Turn left onto Elmstone Dr
0.4 mi
End: Big Rock Nature Preserve
6500 Elmstone Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277, United States
