Who says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike? In Best Hikes Charlotte veteran hikers Jennifer Pharr Davis and Johnny Molloy offer the absolute best hikes in the greater Charlotte area. Each featured trail is perfect for the urban and suburbanite hard-pressed to find outdoor activities close to home. This guide leads you up mountains, over creeks, and through forests to the best outdoor adventures around Charlotte:

• Discover the gorgeous views at Crowders Mountain where Kings Pinnacle rises high above the Charlotte skyline.

• Explore the family-friendly Jetton Park Trail with its beaches, picnic areas, and scenic trails.

• Experience America's past at the Kings Mountain National Military Park and the Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site.

Every chapter includes up-to-date hike specs, a brief hike description, directional cues, and a detailed map.

By Jennifer Pharr Davis and Johnny Molloy