The fair weather in Charlotte makes outdoor activities very popular. There are many parks throughout the Piedmont Region featuring facilities for taking advantage of almost any form of outdoor recreation.

Parks on the water include Latta Plantaion Park on Mountain Island Lake, Jetton Park, Ramsey Park, and Duke Power State Park on Lake Norman, and McDowell Park on Lake Wylie. If you are interested in fishing, call 1-888-2HUNTFISH for information about fishing licenses.

For an excellent skating adventure, check out Methodist Home Park, 3200 Shamrock Drive in Charlotte. This park was designed with skaters in mind. It includes ramps, banks, and a skate wall. Call 704/568-3368 for the schedule of competitions and exhibitions.

Hikers and rock-climbers flock to Crowders Mountain State Park, 704/853-5375, in Gastonia. Some of Crowders Moutain features include 12 miles of hiking trails, and a nine-acre lake with canoe rentals.

Just 25 miles east of Charlotte is the place where gold was first discovered in the United States. Reed Gold Mine(704/786-8337) is now home to a museum and underground mine where visitors can pan for gold.

In addition to these parks, there are a number of public golf courses in the Charlotte area. Whether you have a specific outdoor activity in mind or you'd just like to spend some time relaxing in the sun, Charlotte has a park nearby to accommodate you.