Five-Star Trails: Charlotte. Joshua Kinser

      GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES

      As noted in “Trail Maps”, I used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the cartographers at Menasha Ridge. In the opener for each hike profile, the coordinates—that is, the intersection of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.

      You will also note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for expressing GPS coordinates. The latitude–longitude grid system is likely already quite familiar to you, but here’s a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the coordinates:

      Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and spaced approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole, and down to 90°S at the South Pole.

      Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to lines of latitude. Longitude lines are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines also are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South poles.

      To convert GPS coordinates given in degrees, minutes, and seconds to the degree–decimal minute format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.

      DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION

      Distance notes the length of the hike round-trip, from start to finish. If the hike description includes options to shorten or extend the hike, those round-trip distances will also be factored here. Configuration defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure-eight, or a balloon.

      HIKING TIME

      A general rule of thumb for the hiking times noted in this guidebook is 1.5 miles per hour. That pace typically allows you plenty of time for taking photos, for dawdling and admiring views, and for alternating stretches of hills and descents. When you’re deciding whether or not to follow a particular trail in this guidebook, consider your own pace, the weather, your general physical condition, and your energy level on a particular day.

      HIGHLIGHTS

      Waterfalls, historic sites, or other features that draw hikers to this trail are emphasized here.

      ELEVATION

      In each trail’s opener, you will see the elevation at the trailhead or other starting location and another figure for the peak height you will reach on that route. For routes that entail significant inclines and declines, the full hike profile also includes a complete elevation diagram.

      ACCESS

      Fees or permits required to hike the trail are detailed here—and noted if there are none. Trail-access hours are also shown here.

      MAPS

      Resources for maps, in addition to those in this guidebook, are listed here. (As previously noted, the publisher and myself recommend that you carry more than one map—and that you consult those maps before heading out on the trail to resolve any confusion or discrepancy.)

      FACILITIES

      Alerts you to restrooms, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.

      WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

      Tells you whether paved sections or other areas exist where persons with disabilities can safely using a wheelchair.

      COMMENTS

      Here you will find assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not dogs are allowed on the trails.

      CONTACTS

      Listed here are phone numbers and website addresses for checking trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.

      Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, & Directions

      These four elements make up the heart of the hike. “Overview” gives you a quick summary of what to expect on that trail; “Route Details” guide you on the hike, start to finish; “Nearby Attractions” suggests appealing adjacent sites, such as restaurants, museums, and other trails. “Directions” will get you to the trailhead from a well-known road or highway.

      Weather

      In Charlotte, you can experience all four seasons. Enjoy these variations, but always give careful consideration to weather and prepare accordingly—especially when heading into mountainous areas to the north, west, and east of the city.

      As a Southern city, Charlotte can get brutally hot in the summer—just the right time to head for higher, cooler ground in the surrounding mountainous areas. Summer also can bring afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s often best to hike in the morning or evening, not only to beat the heat but also to avoid exposure to seriously dangerous lightning.

      Spring and fall are long and mild and are the best times for hiking anywhere in and around the city. Spring weather can be volatile, however: a warm, beautiful, sunny day can turn into a cold and rainy one in a matter of hours. Visitors flock to the most popular trails in the fall, as the leaves begin to turn and display their colors. During these peak seasons, you should consider hiking early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds.

      Winter brings the city comparatively mild temperatures that only occasionally drop below freezing. The same can’t be said for the higher elevations surrounding Charlotte, though—there you’ll encounter frigid, below-freezing temperatures and occasionally snow, sleet, and hail. So plan accordingly in terms of attire and, very importantly, in terms of time: winter daylight hours are short, especially if you are hiking in forested areas.

      The following chart lists average temperatures and precipitation by month for the Charlotte region. For each month, “Hi Temp” lists the average daytime high, “Lo Temp” lists the average nighttime low, and “Rain or Snow” lists the average precipitation. Expect cooler temperatures in the higher elevations, especially those in South Mountains and Morrow Mountain state parks.