Running 3.5 miles alongside Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line, the Charlotte Rail Trail is a lively corridor of public art, community spaces, and local hotspots that seamlessly connects Uptown and South End. Unlike trails built on former rail lines, this one runs parallel to an active light rail, making it a unique fusion of transit and recreation.

As you walk or bike the trail, you’ll pass colorful murals, interactive installations, and one-of-a-kind sculptures, like “Chandler the Chair Monster,” the “Magic Carpet Murals,” and the illuminated “Steelyard Mural.” Stop at Edna’s Porch, an inviting wooden deck for relaxation, or snap a photo at the ever-changing Rail Trail Chalkboard, where visitors leave their own creative mark.

Beyond the art, the Rail Trail is a direct path to some of Charlotte’s best cafés, breweries, and local shops. Whether you’re pedaling along the 12th Street Cycle Track, crossing the Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge, or admiring the light displays at the Substation & Tower Illumination, this trail is where Charlotte’s culture and city life come together.