Explore The Rail Trail

Winding through the heart of South End along the light rail tracks, the Rail Trail is a 3.5-mile linear public park that connects the community together and provides access to restaurants, breweries, bars, shops, public art and more. The popular urban trail brings the culture and character of Charlotte to life through its eclectic art, pop-up performances, creative hangout spots and some of the best people watching in the city.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAIL TRAIL

Running, jogging, walking, roller blading, skateboarding, scootering, biking and even unicycling, no matter what mode you want to move, you can do it on the Rail Trail. There’s no shortage of intriguing scenery and art pieces that will grab your interest along the way.

You can rent an electric scooter from a ride-sharing program like Bird, Lime or Spin or an electric bike from Charlotte Joy Rides. Just download the app for each to get started. 

Get moving on the Rail Trail with one of the weekly run clubs. 

Fitness in south end

South End offers diverse culinary options with several that sit directly on the Rail Trail and others just steps away.

Carson Blvd Station is a half-mile or less from Craft Tasting Room, Lincoln St. Kitchen + Cocktail, Seoul Food Meat Co., Let's Meat Korean BBQ, Ruby Sunshine, and Katsu Kart at HopFly Brewing.

Near the Bland Street Station, head to Muraya, All American Pub, Tavern on the Tracks, Futo Buta, Condado Tacos, Early Girl Eatery, or Flower Child.

Stop at East/West Blvd Station to check out Sabor, Leroy Fox, Bulgogi Box, and Two Scoops Creamery.

Walk a few blocks to the Design Center and choose from a selection of eateries, including Pepperbox Doughnuts, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Shake Shack, Barcelona Wine Bar, Superica, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

Atherton Mill, just a few more blocks south, is home to unique culinary concepts like O-Ku, Living Kitchen, Indaco, and The Eagle Food & Beer Hall. On Saturday mornings, local farmers, food artisans and crafters set up at the South End Market at Atherton Mill.

Stop at New Bern Station to dine at Suffolk Punch, Eight + Sand Kitchen, Stable Hand, Penn Station, Link & Pin, Mac’s Speed Shop, and SouthBound.

South End Bites & Brews

Take a break from your next walk, run or ride on the Rail Trail and support local by shopping small.

Stop by 704 Shop, Selenite Beauty, and Girl Tribe near East/West Blvd Station. 

Hop off the Rail Trail near East/West Blvd Station and head to the Design Center to peruse the offerings at Lilbelle, Fit Atelier, and OMJ Clothing. Head to Atherton Mill to shop at national stores like Anthropologie, Free People, Madewell, Lululemon, Sephora, and West Elm, as well as local favorites like Boem, Society Social, Uniquities, and Golden Carrot. Don’t forget to visit the South End Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce and goods from local farmers and artisans. 

A few blocks from Bland Station, you'll find The Shops at the Winnifred, the first micro-retail shops in the neighborhood featuring fashion boutiques, handmade leather goods, skateshops, and more!

South end retail

Join volunteers as they help keep Charlotte beautiful at the Rail Trail Cleanups. Stroll the Rail Trail picking up litter, and enjoy raffles, swag, and a free drink at the volunteer appreciation event. The Rail Trail Cleanups are sponsored by U.S. Bank as part of the I Heart Rail Trail initiative.