Did you know: Nearly 30% of all the land in the United States is public land? It’s kind of an amazing thing to think about, really. And whether it’s your favorite National Park, some the beautiful area state parks, or even your neighborhood park or greenway, we’re lucky enough to be owners, if you will, of some pretty incredible places to get outside and play.
National Public Lands Day is a day enjoy these shared properties. Whether you decide to take a hike, pack a picnic, explore, travel, or volunteer, this is the perfect time of year — and practically perfect weather to celebrate. Here are some of our favorites here at Jesse Brown’s!
Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation
There are more than 200 Charlotte and Mecklenburg County area parks covering 20,000 plus acres with great places to play, picnic, fish, hike, run, or just hang out with family and friends. From big, regional parks and nature centers, to cozy little neighborhood parks, it’s easy to find a place to get away without going too far.
https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Parks/Pages/default.aspx
Carolina Thread Trail
The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of over 500 miles of greenways and trails that reaches 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens. It links people, places, cities, towns and attractions. When you see the Carolina Trail Logo, that will indicate that particular greenway, trail, or path is a section of the Carolina Thread Trail. Loads of opportunities to get involved with the Thread Trail, including their annual “Fall into the Thread” event — we’ll see you there!
http://www.carolinathreadtrail.org
Mecklenburg County Greenways
Greenway trails provide recreation, fitness, and economic benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 37 miles of development and 150 miles of undeveloped greenways in Mecklenburg County. Greenways are consistently the most asked for public amenity. And for good reason. They connect us to nature, neighbors, schools, shopping, and more, without ever getting into traffic.
Kings Mountain National Park
The site of a tide-turning battle during the American Revolution, this was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780. Kings Mountain National Military Park preserves the site of this important battle and some 4000 acres. It’s right next door, if you will, to Kings Mountain State Park and its hiking trails, fishing, camping, and horse trails.
https://www.nps.gov/kimo/learn/natureandscience.htm
Blue Ridge Parkway
Talk about getting an eyeful. Along with the incredible views and breathtaking overlooks, fall is THE time to take in the changing season along this 470 mile linear park. Predictions are that this year’s leaf color will be more brilliant than in previous years, so be ready to take it all in with a charged phone battery to snap all of those panorama pictures.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org
No matter where your next adventure takes you, we’ll get you geared-up and ready to go. Check out Jesse Brown’s at the Sharon Corners Shopping Center, or on the web at www.jessebrowns.com. Want more inspiration? Listen in on the Carolina Outdoors Podcast.