704-588-5224 (Nature Center)
704-583-1284 (Campground)
15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278

Notice: McDowell Nature Preserve will be closed November 9,10, and 30 and December 1, 2009 for Deer Herd Management.  For more information please call Ronny Roberts, Natural Resource Specialist at 704-583-1176.
 

►Get Directions  
►Park Map
►Environmental Education & Outdoor Adventure Programs
►Trails
►Fishing
►Flora & Fauna
►Affiliations
►Volunteer Program 

McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the 1115-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve's natural communities, flora, and fauna. The preserve, the oldest in Mecklenburg County, has been left 90% undeveloped and protects mostly forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie.

Features:

• 1115 acres
• Nature Center
• 56-site Campground
• Copperhead Island – Fishing and Boating Access, Primitive Group Camping
• 7 miles of hiking trails
• Playgrounds
• Picnic areas
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
  

Reservable Facilities:

► McDowell Campground
► Copperhead Island (Shelter and Primitive Group Camp)
► Medium Shelter
► Large Pavilion
► Waterfront Deck

Trails
The preserve features 9 trails totaling nearly 7 miles. Download a full-color, pocket-sized TRAIL MAP.

• Four Seasons Trail – 0.4 miles (Easy, Paved Accessible)
• Sierra Trail – 0.3 miles  (Easy)
• Cedar Ridge – 0.5 miles (Moderate)
• Shady Hollow Trail – 0.6 miles (Moderate)
• Cove Trail – 0.8 miles (Moderate)
• Kingfisher – 0.9 miles (Moderate)
• Pine hollow – 0.9 miles (Moderate)
• Chestnut Trail – 1.2 miles (Moderate)
• Creekside Trail – 1.2 miles (Moderate)

* All trails are marked with color symbols. Mountain bikes are not permitted on preserve trails. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times.

Flora and Fauna
McDowell Nature Preserve preserves habitat for 119 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians.  Among the unusual species that have been found at the Preserve are: Seminole bat (first record in NC), spotted salamander, Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtle, and Loggerhead Shrike. McDowell Nature Preserve is also well known for its diversity of spring ephemeral wildflowers and is among the best areas in Mecklenburg County to view Pileated Woodpecker. The Preserve protects a federally endangered plant (Schweinitz's sunflower), a federal candidate species (Georgia's aster), and one rare plant (prairie dock) at its two Piedmont Prairie restoration sites. For a complete list of documented species, download our vertebrate species checklist (137kB PDF) or contact us at 704-588-5224. 

 

Affiliations
McDowell Nature Center is a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Environmental Education Centers and supports Environmental Educator's of North Carolina. The Nature Center is recognized as a WNCW Oasis and accepts the Oasis member discount card for gift shop purchases. The Nature Center is also a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Water Quality Coalition, is a certified

National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat, participates in the Groundwater Guardian program, and serves as an ambassador for Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch.