Flat Branch Nature Preserve is one of approximately 15 nature preserves in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Picnic tables, hiking trails, and bathrooms are available.
The preserve includes an upland depression swamp forest. These swamp forests hold water in winter and early spring before drying up in the summer. This short period is enough for amphibians like frogs and salamanders to breed and grow.
Flat Branch Nature Preserve Trails
It has two short trails that are perfect ways to enjoy nature and stretch your legs.
Shagbark Loop Trail (SB)
Shagbark is an easy 0.4-mile loop. The trail transitions between gravel, paved concrete, wooden boardwalk, and dirt surfaces.
Swamp Trail (SW)
Swamp Trail is an easy, 0.1-mile spur trail over the depression swamp. It is completely a concrete block elevated boardwalk. There is an information board on the boardwalk which explains the ecosystem.
Wildlife
On my February and April visits, I found American robins, brown creepers, brown thrashers, Carolina wrens, eastern towhees, house finches, northern cardinals, northern mockingbirds, tufted titmice, white-throated sparrows, and yellow-rumped warblers. I also caught sight of several squirrels bounding across branches.
Flat Branch Nature Preserve sits across from a school on a relatively busy road. Due to this, traffic noise is unescapable on portions of the Shagbark Loop. It did pull my focus away from enjoying nature at times; however, this often happens with urban parks and reserves.
Looking for more nature hikes in Mecklenburg County? I recommend Latta Nature Preserve and McDowell Nature Preserve.