First Broad River Trail: Hike along a river and over a 170-foot suspension bridge in Shelby – Charlotte On The Cheap

Adding to our list of 50+ hikes and walks near Charlotte, North Carolina, is First Broad River Trail in Shelby. This out-and-back trail is 1.5 miles each way, and features a 170-foot suspension bridge over the First Broad River. After crossing the bridge, hikers walk through the woods alongside the river on a natural surface path.

New Broad River Trail is part of Carolina Thread Trail.

It’s free to hike here, and is open from dawn to dusk. Pets on leashes are welcome.

The trailhead is at 940 W Grover Street, Shelby, North Carolina. There are 20 parking spaces at the trailhead. There are no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly. The trail is about 46 miles from Charlotte.

There’s a second trailhead by Ingles Markets, 1818 W Dixon Blvd, which leads you to the middle of the trail.

The trail is rated as easy/moderate. For the most part it’s flat, with one section that has very minor rises and dips. No significant elevation change.

Leaving the parking lot, hikers walk on a paved path that leads to the walkway ramps for the suspension bridge, which crosses the river.

The rest of the walk is in the woods for the most part. It goes under a train trestle, over several footbridges, and alongside the river. There are a couple of benches along the way, and some nice views of the river.

The trail also goes under US-74, so there is a little traffic noise.

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