Four Mile Creek Greenway

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is one of the largest and most diverse park systems in North Carolina, managing an extensive network of parks, nature preserves, greenways, recreation centers, athletic complexes, and public open spaces throughout Mecklenburg County, including the city of Charlotte and its surrounding communities. The department is dedicated to preserving natural resources while providing residents and visitors with a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Facilities range from neighborhood parks and playgrounds to large regional parks featuring sports fields, fitness centers, swimming pools, boating access, and educational nature centers. The county’s greenway system continues to expand and now links many communities with miles of scenic walking, running, and cycling routes. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mecklenburg County offers numerous opportunities to explore forests, wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitats without leaving the metropolitan area. With approximately 40 miles of maintained trails spread throughout its parks and preserves, the county provides hikers with everything from short urban nature walks to longer excursions through protected natural areas.

The Four Mile Creek Greenway is located near downtown Matthews, North Carolina, and serves as an important recreational corridor connecting neighborhoods, parks, and community facilities between East John Street and South Trade Street. The greenway provides access to Squirrel Lake Park and follows Four Mile Creek through a scenic floodplain environment characterized by mixed stands of Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine, hardwood trees, and wetland vegetation. Much of the route consists of elevated boardwalks and paved multi-use paths that allow visitors to experience the creek’s natural setting while minimizing impacts on the sensitive floodplain ecosystem. Wildlife such as songbirds, turtles, and other small animals can often be spotted along the trail, particularly during the quieter morning and evening hours. On this hike, I began at the west stadium gate of the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews and followed the trail across Four Mile Creek before looping around athletic fields 1 through 11. The route is an easy and accessible walk suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, combining paved pathways, boardwalk sections, and multi-use trails. Convenient parking areas, well-maintained facilities, and numerous connections to surrounding parks and neighborhoods make this an excellent option for a short walk, casual hike, or family outing in the Matthews area.