McDowell Nature Preserve is about as far away from Davidson as you can be and still be in Mecklenburg County. It’s located off NC Highway 49 near the South Carolina line on Lake Wylie. Once there, you’ll find 1130 acres of forested land, a Nature Center, a campground, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing, bike trails, walking trails, picnic tables, and shelters with grills.

McDowell Nature Center is a member of the North Carolina Association of Environmental Education Centers and supports Environmental Educator’s of North Carolina. The Nature Center is recognized as a WNCW Oasis and accepts the Oasis member discount card for gift shop purchases. The Nature Center is also a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Water Quality Coalition, is a certified National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat, participates in the Groundwater Guardian program, and serves as an ambassador for Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Project Feeder Watch.

Plan your visit to McDowell Nature Center and Preserve today!