Union County has so many great parks and playgrounds, but not all of these spots are great to ride. Also, with many 2-lane roads and gorgeous wooded areas, it's hard to know the best places to take your family for a ride. Check out our list below for some of our favorite family riding spots around Union County - and a couple in Charlotte / South Carolina!
Crooked Creek Park
5900 Oakwood Lane | Indian Trail, NC
This is probably one of our favorite parks for so many reasons. Not only are the playgrounds fantastic (when open!), but the spray ground and picnic shelters offer so many options. But, the best part, now that our kids can take longer bike rides are the trails. There are both paved and natural trails to offer your family something different each time you visit.
Chestnut Square Park
299 Chestnut Parkway | Indian Trail, NC
While smaller, this park also offers some great walking and riding trails as well as a large parking that is great for beginner riders. There are also sand volleyball and tennis courts (when open) and the turf field for playing soccer and/or football.
Cane Creek Park
5213 Harkey Rd | Waxhaw, NC
This is mostly natural trails, so it is probably best for a more advanced biker. That said, this park is sprawling - and under normal circumstances also hosts water sports like fishing, boating and a beach!
Marvin Efird Park
8908 New Town Road | Marvin, NC
This sweet little park in Marvin offers connection to the greenways and paths that families enjoy biking!
Stallings Municipal Park
242 Stallings Road | Matthews, NC
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in ease and convenience with paved bike/walking trails and large open space for new learners. During the summer months, the splash pad offers a nice cool-down and during the cooler months, the playgrounds (when open) are great.
Squirrel Lake Park
1631 Pleasant Plains Road | Matthews, NC
This is our favorite park - located in Matthews, a stones throw from Union County. It connects to the greenway and is a really easy out/back bike ride for riders of all ages.
Col. Beatty Park
4330 Weddington Road | Matthews, NC
Another family favorite, this park offers several trails for those who'd like to take the "hard way" or there are paved pathways for an easy loop. For older kids and more sophisticated riders, the roads within the park are very wide and you can easily bike those as well. There are a few playgrounds and a large pond, so its great for fishing or playing, too.
6 Mile Creek Greenway
17820 Marvin Road | Charlotte, NC
One of Mecklenburg County's newest greenways, this trail parallels the County's southern border and will provide linkages to many neighborhoods within Mecklenburg and Union counties. 1 mile of this is paved.
4 Mile Creek Greenway
1631 Pleasant Plains Road | Matthews, NC
This has always been a go-to for me. You can start it at many spots along South Charlotte, but I like to get on the trail around Trader Joe's off of Rea Road and head out from there. It's paved and during the week, relatively empty.
Mineral Springs Greenway
McNeely Rd | Mineral Springs, NC
The Mineral Springs Greenway is a natural surface trail open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, a portion of the Carolina Thread Trail is in this area too (the Yellow Trail). It follows the Wolf and Bates Branches streams and has plenty of wildlife. The trail is in very good condition for the first 1.25 miles to a stream crossing with no bridge.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
2573 Lake Haigler Drive | Fort Mill, SC
While this one isn't free, your $6 (for adults) entry gives you access to more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The map at the entrance will tell you which trails are available to you for mountain biking.
As with all things, please make sure that the trails are in good order before heading out. You can usually check each trail's website or facebook page! Rain and storms can change conditions quickly. Have fun and be safe!
