mcdowell nature center and preserve

This lake has many trails for hiking. The trails are not strenuous and ther is a lake that offers beautiful view with seats for viewing or tables for a picnic lunch.

Plenty of walking trails and areas to picnic along Lake Wylie. Little concerned about the lack of law enforcement presence. While this is not a "high crime" area, it is a large amount of land with many visitors coming through daily. Just takes one incident to scare people away. That said, this is still a very nice place and we enjoyed our visit.

Have camped here a couple of times. Found the sites to be kind of small and unlevel but the setting is beautiful for a city park. The park has many hiking trails and a nice lake which we kayaked. The campground has nice bathrooms with showers. We will definitely return.

McDowell is a great park situated on Lake Wylie. They have trails for hiking, camp sites, grills for cooking, kayak rentals, fishing and a swim area. It is a beautiful park great for families and kids. The nature center provides educational opportunities for families and have regularly scheduled programs.

Enjoy coming to this place in the spring and summer to eat a picnic. Takes a while to get back to it but it is well worth it. The scenery is beautiful.

This place has a number of different trails that you can choose from depending on your ability and time. It has a very nice handicap accessible trail as well. Good workout without being overly strenuous. Beautiful!

I think this park has the most elevation change in Charlotte so it's a good place to come for a quick mini hike or work on your hiking skills. I live pretty close so it's worth it. The nature trails are not to strenuous and there is beautiful views of the lake as well.

There is a nice indoor information area, & if you go on a tour they have films to view. There is also an orchid solarium with gorgeous orchids. The walkway through the garden area has fountains interspersed throughout which makes for a very pleasant walk. There are also sitting areas along the way if you want to just relax & enjoy the beauty around you for a bit.

I've visited McDowell Nature Center and Preserve several times on different trips and have always found it to be one of my favorite places to while away extra hours or minutes. Sitting on the swing overlooking Lake Wylie with a good book and a cup of chai is so peaceful. Taking young family members to the playground is a crowd pleaser. It is small enough that you can keep track of little ones, yet large enough that they have enough options to keep them satisfied. This area, as for the entire park, has always been clean and safe. Hiking the trails is a real treat. Surrounded by forest and wildlife with glimpses of Lake Wylie and waterfowl is a wonderful way to unwind and reconnect with nature.

This is within CMC, and it is a nice get away for nature walks, kayaking, fishing, camping and more. There is no parking or entrance fee, and that makes it all the more better. Lots of activities planned throughout the year. There are plenty of parking spaces, the place is very clean, and the staff and volunteers are very friendly. We recently went kayaking on the lake and had a blast, even spotting a Great Blue Heron. It was a very relaxing and affordable flat water kayak trip. The nature center is small, but informative, and the bathrooms are very clean. We can't wait to return. There is something there for all ages, and abilities.

I go to this park very often since it is close to my house. It has beautiful trails with amazing views of Lake Wylie. There is a place for events. There is usually people here year round. It is a gorgeous retreat during the summer. Plenty of shade. You can also camp here although I've never done it. It needs water fountains for people and dogs. The one fountain I found was not working.

we came here with some friends and went camping. had a great time. the proximity to downtown CLT is unmatched. it is too close to not go. some small trails you can walk/hike on through the woods. the opportunity to see some small wildlife. MAYBE a deer. i would def recommend as i will be coming back. nice views of lake whylie.

We love going here. The walks are fun and easy for young un's. The play park is just right and rarely has it been busy whilst we've been there. Nice and quiet down by the lake and just peaceful place to chill out. Nature centre is good on a rainy day

This place is wonderful. Open areas for plenty of group games. Large grills and covered shelters. Lots of parking space and electrical outlets. Nearby restrooms and countless walking trails.

Stopped here to throw a line into Lake Wylie and see if I could catch a fish or two which I did. Park was clean and restroom was well maintained. It was no crowded when I was there and I saw only 3 other people walking around on the trails. There are not a lot of good bank fishing spots here as the water was shallow when I was there. Suggest an early visit to find a spot to cast into good water.