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    Colonel Francis Beatty Park

    4.3 (43 reviews)

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    Colonel Francis Beatty Park
    Bruce K.

    I believe this is one of the largest parks operated by the Mecklenburg County Park and Rec department. At 265 acres and chock full of features and amenities, it's the biggest in the south region for sure. Two lighted basketball courts Six tennis courts Five lighted soccer fields Two softball fields Four horseshoe pits Indoor and outdoor shelters Walking trails Ten picnic areas with tables and grills Mountain biking trails Amphitheater AND A LAKE that offers kayaking and fishing and canoeing. This is a great feature in the southwest Charlotte region. On a drizzly Sunday afternoon, I did a little walking on the trails. It's nice here. [Review 11573 overall, 1353 of 2019.]

    Start of a dirt (mud) trail.
    Jonathan B.

    I've lived quite close to Col. Francis Beatty Park for over a year now and finally got out to pay it proper respects. The park's reputation preceded it in my running circles, especially among the trail running, dirtbag kind. With miles of trails on offer for mountain bikers, hikers and runners alike you can spend plenty of time here surrounded by natures beauty. Despite its proximity to the Charlotte, the park is quite large and not overflowing with trash or damage. It must take an army to maintain and the Tarheel Trailblazers are a standalone force in upkeeping the trails alone. I came here for the trails so I can share most about that aspect of the park. They're as in shape as they can be. Signs are placed here and there directing bikes one way and walkers the opposite so as to limit any chance for calamity. That said, the trails are otherwise a poorly marked mess of offshoots. There's unfortunately not much that can be done about that now as the litany of side trails bisecting main trails have been stamped in hard by thousands of boots. Then there's the issue of wash out and mud. When it rains here you might as well ignore this park for 48 hours of full sun, zero rain if you plan to hike. Otherwise bring your least favorite waterproof hightops because you're going to posthole. The park has a slew of other amenities. The lake, of course, where you can paddle about to your delight all day long. There are playgrounds, swingsets, docks, paved paths, picnic tables, charcoal barbecue grills, ample [free] parking and much more that I, no doubt, overlooked on my visit to the trails. After a few dry days I will certainly be back for a proper trail run.

    Kayaking on the small lake
    Morgan B.

    My friend has taken me here a few times this year (2022) to do some morning yoga and water activities. It's clean and has a friendly crowd.

    Green/Blue and Back Diamond Trial System
    Mark T.

    I absolutely love this place. I spend way too much time here typically on the trails. Beatty Park is a 265 acre park that has a ton of recreational facilities from trail systems to 2 basketball courts (lighted), 6 tennis courts, 5 lighted soccer fields, 4 horseshoe pits, indoor shelters, 2 outdoor picnic shelters, 10 picnic areas, 2 playgrounds, conference center, restrooms, 2 softball fields and fantastic lake with kayaking, fishing and canoeing. They have an awesome singletrack 5+ miles green/blue and black-diamond trail system. It's used by both walkers and mountain bikers, using in opposing directions. The trail system has something for everyone, plenty of awesome jumps and obstacles, some decent technical areas and a few hills, some flowy and flat runs. The kayaking is pretty cool. You literally pull from your car and directly into the nice sized lake. It's not huge, but plenty big enough to enjoy some fishing or hang out on. The soccer fields aren't the best in the area, though they have grass and nice goals --what else is needed, right? The tennis courts and basketball areas are great, well lit and well maintained, as is the remainder of the park for that matter. There are many picnic tables as mentioned and some secluded picnic areas around the parking with several parking lots. They're equipped with great tables, grills, and trash cans, again, always nice and well maintained. Overall a fantastic location kudos to CharMeck for such a great space.

    Turgut T.

    We went there for biking ‍ but they have place for tennis and hiking too. They have 3 options biking , green , blue and black. Green is medium , blue is harder than green and black is hardest. You ride bike between trees , over the roots , uphills and downhills, some regular ground some hard but you really enjoy there. Its fun and quiet place and more clean O2. I believe you will enjoy there

    Lake
    Joy T.

    We walked the trails and there was quite a variance in paths. Some wide and clear and some with downed trees and sticker vines. Make sure you bring something to drink as you will need it if you do the full 4 + mile hike. At some points you can see the lake as you hike. You must always be watching your step to prevent tripping. There are bikers sometimes sharing the trail to be aware of.

    Ducks came up while we were having lunch!
    Natalie P.

    Love this park! It's very quiet, and hardly ever crowded. Great spot to let kids play on the playground with bathrooms close by. There's also wide paved paths to walk behind the playgrounds, with lots of picnic tables and benches along the way.

    Lake, Lots of Unique Birds

    There were a lot of birds, ballpark, playground, and it was an overall nice experience. Went with my family. The play grounds are really fun for the kids and the lake is beautiful. It was also educational. Little stands had information and fun facts of animals.

    Amanda S.

    Beautiful and very large park!!! We went with a group of friends and grilled out at a picnic spot overlooking the small lake. They have green and blue level hiking and mountain biking trails, soccer fields, playgrounds, and fishing! AND their restroom facilities are amazingly nice!!! I will definitely be visiting again, but this time with my mountain bike!

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    6 months ago

    Love this park. Always well kept and lots of great walking trails. It's also a great spot for a picnic.

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    Love this park...great for geocaching!

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    13 years ago

    My favorite park close to home! Great trails and playground! Kids love the pond too!

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    Colonel Francis Beatty Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Colonel Francis Beatty Park

    Is this park safe?

    I would say so. I go there frequently and see a lot of regulars.

    Is there a fenced in dog park where dogs can play off leash? Is there paperwork to be filled out to make sure all dogs are fully vaccinated?

    There is not a fenced dog park

    Is this park dog friendly? And if so, can dogs swim in the pond? thanks!

    Dog park friendly but not sure about swimming.. check their website

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Colonel Francis Beatty Park

    I assume by all the bikers this park is well known for it's mountain biking trails but for a beautiful Sat.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Stallings Park

    Stallings Park

    3.7(12 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    If I could give a 0 rating I would. I drive down from Greensboro every 3 weeks to take my small…read moredog who has cancer to Carolina Vet Specialist in Matthews. Every three weeks after her treatments we go for a short walk around the park since it's right across the street. Today, we received some devastating news about her cancer and so after her appointment we went to the park to have a moment with her before driving back to Greensboro. We were kicked out. We've never seen any signs nor has anyone ever approached us about no dogs being allowed. We've seen many other people with their little dogs as well. It felt like a punch in the gut. A place we went for solace just added to our pain.

    The park is beautiful however it doesn't allow dogs which is a huge let down. All of us homeowners…read morein parkside townhomes own dogs and it is torture for them having to watch the park and not being able to play. Also, this park is extremely disruptive to our community. They are constantly blaring music above appropriate decibel levels. Sometimes before 8am on a Saturday and passed 9pm on weekdays. To the point the noise rattles our homes and blares through the walls. I moved to this area thinking it would be quiet and peaceful, it has been anything but. I reached out to Eunice Donnelly the park and Rec "director" and she did nothing to resolve the matter. She kept directing me to their website for events which half the events they've run this summer aren't even posted on the website! The park is great, the directors and management team are terrible however. She should be removed. They need a true lesson in organization and also respect- the golden rule. They don't care about our community and that is clear now.

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    Stallings Park - Fun

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    Idlewild Road Park

    Idlewild Road Park

    4.1(8 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    I found a trail at this park on AllTrails and it looked nice so we decided to check it out…read more The beginning of the trail was really nice. It goes through a wooded area and down to the river. Then the trail suddenly becomes a disc golf course. Now the disc golf course seemed really nice, but I wouldn't recommend hiking a disc golf course. You're just in the way if people are playing. There's a nice lake later in the course. Overall, I'd recommend it for disc golf or maybe just to hang out at, but I wouldn't recommend walking through the disc golf course like AllTrails recommends.

    On our park tour of the city we landed at Idlewild Road Park. This park is amazing. We only visited…read morethe playground area but loved it. The playground equipment is so cool. They have a bunch of really nice pieces I have never seen before. The playground is also huge. There is so many different areas to choose from. The only bad part is one piece of equipment isn't safe. My nephew decided to play incorrectly on the 4 person see saw piece and his foot got scraped up pretty bad. Make sure that your kids don't try to ride/sit/stand on the middle piece of the see saw. There were two groups grilling out at two different shelters close to the playground. They both surrounded the playground. The one thing that impressed me the most was how clean the restroom was. The restroom is super close to the playground too which is very convenient. This park is kinda far from me but I will definitely make the trip out here for the nibblings. Idlewild Road Park 10512 Idlewild Rd Matthews, NC 28105 Tuesday December 31, 2019

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    Idlewild Road Park - Boys in a giant fidget spinner!

    Boys in a giant fidget spinner!

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    Colonel Francis Beatty Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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