July 8, 2022
Cabarrus County is filled with trails to explore, greenways to roam, and scenery to soak in. Then, spend even more time unwinding outside with activities like baseball games, mini golf, historic sites and fun on farms. Use this guide to start exploring the great outdoors in Cabarrus!
Parks, Trails & Greenways
Below are just a few of the parks, trails and greenways that meander through Cabarrus County. Check out this list for a complete roundup of sports, recreation and fun around the area.
Carolina Thread Trail
The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of trails and greenways that stretches 300 miles through two states and includes sections in Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant. Walk, run or bike through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state.
The sections of the Carolina Thread Trail in Cabarrus County include the Pharr Family Preserve Trail, a 1.7-mile section that winds through a hardwood forest and river floodplain with 48 different species of trees and a canoe/kayak launch; the 2.1-mile Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail, which passes through restored oak-savanna and local farmland; and many others.
Brown Mill Bike Trail
Get ready for over 4 miles of pure fun! Located just outside of downtown Concord, Brown Mill is full of challenges for riders making the trail an intermediate adventure. The trail is open from dawn to dusk and is also one runners and hikers will enjoy.
Bike your way through Brown Mill, across Cabarrus County and beyond with this multi-day mountain biking itinerary.
Downtown Greenway Loop
Downtown Concord boasts 3 miles of paved trails along the Downtown Greenway Loop. Park at McGee Park and walk along the Harold B. McEachern Greenway — stopping to complete the activities at the fitness stations that dot the route — to Les Myers Park. You’ll traverse paved trails, stone walks and bridges along the urban greenway system.
Frank Liske Park
A 238-acre recreational paradise, Frank Liske Park offers nature and walking trails, a 10-acre lake with paddle boats, soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, a disc golf course and an 18-hole mini golf course.
Harris Depot Park
Best known as the site of the historic post office, log cabin and seasonal farmers market, Harris Depot Park also has a short paved walking trail that links the park to the library and Harrisburg Park.
Harrisburg Park
The 67-acre Harrisburg Park has undergone a transformation. The renovated park doubled in size and added a ton of new amenities. Walk (or ride) the 2.5 miles of trails, then cool off in the splash pad, test out the cornhole court, catch a concert or movie in the amphitheater or soak up some vitamin D on the expansive lawn.
Pharr Mill Park
The wooded setting and nature trails make Pharr Mill Park a favorite local spot for walking. The National Wildlife Federation certified the 37-acre park as a Wildlife Habitat, so be on the lookout for birds, bees and other pollinators as you stroll. The trails in the park are also part of the Carolina Thread Trail system.
Rob Wallace Park
The trail system at Rob Wallace Park in Midland includes 2.5 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails (with additional trails planned), as well as a boardwalk. Visitors can also enjoy the butterfly garden and lake for fishing.
Village Park
Considered the “premier park attraction” in Kannapolis, the 16-acre Village Park has all the traditional amenities like walking trails and greenspaces, as well as a train, carousel, splash pad and amphitheater. It’s also home to award-winning summer concert and movie series.
Veterans Park
Home to the city’s Thursdays on Main live music series, Veterans Park is a scenic community gathering place in downtown Kannapolis. The park includes brick walkways, fountains and many features that honor those who have served.
Vietnam Veterans Park
The 90-acre Vietnam Veterans Park has a 1-mile walking trail, boardwalk, disc golf course, basketball and bocce courts, and horseshoe pits, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon of outdoor recreation. Park here to set out on the Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway.
Outdoor History
Spend even more time outdoors discovering stories that have shaped our community. Cabarrus County is home to interesting outdoor locations that share area history, including Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, Downtown Concord’s Historic District and Reed Gold Mine.
Fun on the Farm
Visit during each season for a different on-farm experience! Pick strawberries at Deer Run Farm, make a reservation to tour and take home honey from Honeysuckle Hill Bee Farm and pick out the perfect pumpkin at Riverbend Farm in October.
Outdoor Games & Activities
Don’t want to head back inside just yet? Cabarrus County is home to even more options for outdoor entertainment. Catch a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers game at Atrium Health Ballpark, hit the course at Rocky River Golf Club or opt for putt-putt at Jocko’s Mini Golf, and go racing at The Speedpark at Concord Mills.
Explore More of the Great Outdoors
If a few hours of exploring parks and trails isn’t enough, plan an adventure-filled weekend in Cabarrus County.
