If you’re in the Charlotte area and you’re looking for the best places for dog walks near you, make sure to bring your four-legged friend to UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The gardens are at 9090 Craver Road, Charlotte, NC, on the campus of UNC Charlotte.
You might also be interested in this list of dog walkers in Charlotte!
They’re free to visit, and open during daylight hours every day.
The gardens are across the street from McMillan Greenhouse. There are five free parking spaces next to the Greenhouse for garden and greenhouse visitors. If you visit from Monday to Friday you need to sign the sheet inside the greenhouse and write down your license plate number.
On the weekend, unless a parking space is marked as “reserved” you may park without a permit, for free.
Many visitors consider the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens to be a hidden treasure. It’s hardly ever too busy. You might be the only person there walking a dog — which means that your dog will get plenty of attention from other visitors to the gardens.
Make sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
There are two separate gardens, the Susie Harwood Garden and the Van Landingham Glen.
You also might be interested in a dog walk at Latta Nature Preserve!
Susie Harwood Garden
As you walk down the path to the gardens, the Susie Harwood Garden will be on your left. It features both native and non-native plants, as well as many special features, including the Gazebo, Butterfly Garden, Moon Gate, Asian Garden, Camellia Walk and more.
There are several water features and bridges.
Whatever time of year you visit, there will e something in bloom. Many of the plants are labeled, so the garden can be an inspiration for your own gardening. If you’re not sure what something is, or you just want to learn more, you can ask at the McMillan Greenhouse when it’s open. Please note that at the time of publication the McMillan Greenhouse is temporarily closed, but the outdoor gardens are open as usual.
You might also be interested in this list of dog parks in Charlotte!
You won’t have to walk too far in the garden before you find a trash can, which is very much appreciated on dog walks. There are also a few picnic tables and benches for taking a break.
Have fun with your pup all year at one of these dog bars in Charlotte!
As you enter the Susie Harwood Garden, you can pick up a map of the garden. You can also print one out yourself. You might find this online map useful as you walk around.
Please stay on the paths, and don’t pick any flowers, leaves or fruits from the plants. Also, don’t wade or play in the pond or creek (and don’t let your dog do it either.)
The 10 acres of outdoor gardens are not wheelchair accessible, because the terrain varies, and there are slopes with gravel and mulch.
Van Landingham Glen
The Van Landingham Glen is on your right as you walk down the path to the gardens. There’s a large wooden gate to keep out the deer, so please close it as you walk in.
This is a woodland garden that includes a collection of rhododendrons and native plants of the Carolinas.
The plants in the Glen are incredibly well catalogued and documented. On this page you’ll find a list of all the plants and where to find them.
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