The next time you’re near the town of Matthews, which is a suburb to the southeast of Charlotte and very near the South Carolina border, head to Purser-Hulsey Park to explore an enchanted forest. As far as hikes go, this one is super easy and will keep everyone in the family entertained.
The 1.8-mile loop trail known as the Purser-Hulsey Main Loop Trail traverses a gorgeous forest setting. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more inviting landscape to explore.
alltrails/Katlyn P
The trail is also known as the Enchanted Forest Trail.
alltrails/ronald Ashely
Narrow pathways create a very intimate space to enjoy a break from sidewalks, cement, and pavement that tend to stifle our sense of adventure.
S Roc You won’t find much wide open space on this trail, but you won’t want it.
Because the Enchanted Forest is home to hundreds of painted rocks!
alltrails/Sean D. And you’re encouraged to find them and then relocate them to other spots within the forest.
You never know when you’ll encounter a painted rock, whether on the Broad Boardwalk, on the dirt footpath, or on the stone-covered path.
alltrails/ronald Ashley
But when you do, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Google Maps/Olena Scarboro
The Purser-Hulsey Main Loop (a.k.a. Enchanted Forest) trail is open year-round and ideal for any members in the family.
alltrails/ronald Ashley The hike doesn’t have any challenging sections and features only minor elevation gains and losses.
If the idea of finding painted rocks in the Enchanted Forest piques your interest…
Google Maps/tawana m. Maybe think about painting your own rocks before you go… so you can leave them behind for others to find!
Purser-Halsey Park is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Admission is free. Learn more on the official website for the park, here.
alltrails/Katlyn P
alltrails/ronald Ashely
S Roc
You won’t find much wide open space on this trail, but you won’t want it.
alltrails/Sean D.
And you’re encouraged to find them and then relocate them to other spots within the forest.
alltrails/ronald Ashley
Google Maps/Olena Scarboro
The hike doesn’t have any challenging sections and features only minor elevation gains and losses.
Google Maps/tawana m.
Maybe think about painting your own rocks before you go… so you can leave them behind for others to find!
For another enchanted hike in North Carolina, check out the Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens!
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Address: 13201 Phillips Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, USA
