North Carolina City Among America’s Top Outdoor-Friendly Spots

William B. Umstead State ParkPhoto byNC State Parks

Many people think that embracing the “outdoor lifestyle” means trekking into remote areas, but a recent ranking by RVShare, an RV rental company, shows that you don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors.

RVShare evaluated factors like access to outdoor recreation, public parks, and scenic views to identify the most and least outdoor-friendly cities in America.

Charlotte, North Carolina, ranked as the tenth most outdoor-friendly city in the country.

The ranking praised the city for its “ample” outdoor recreation opportunities, including its extensive greenways and proximity to the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Photo byU.S. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte’s numerous lakes, such as Lake Norman, offer boating and fishing, while the nearby Appalachian Mountains provide hiking and camping options.

Photo byLake Norman

The city is continually expanding its greenways, with new sections like the 1.5-mile Brandywine Road to Tyvola Road connector on the Cross Charlotte Trail and a 3-mile extension of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

On the other hand, Raleigh, North Carolina, was ranked as the ninth least outdoor-friendly city. The ranking cited a lack of equipment for outdoor recreation, low visits to public parks, and limited use of planning apps.

Photo byWilliam B. Umstead State Park

Despite this, Raleigh does offer numerous parks, including William B. Umstead State Park and Falls Lake State Recreation Area, which provide hiking, biking, and water-based activities.

Seattle, Washington, claimed the top spot as the most outdoor-friendly city, while Houston, Texas, ranked as the least outdoor-friendly, primarily due to low participation in outdoor recreation and limited proximity to natural lands.