Axios Charlotte

July 30, 2025

Ashley Mahoney

Hello, Wednesday. It's Ashley, taking you outside in Ballantyne.

Why it matters: Ballantyne is booming with new residents, businesses and developments. The neighborhood's green spaces and pop-up events offer low-key ways to get outside — for locals and visitors alike.

Today's Smart Brevity™️ count is 345 words — a 1½-minute read.

1 big thing: 🌳 If you crave nature

Information board titled "More than Just A Bunch of Big Rocks" in a forested area with large granite boulders and trees in the background, explaining the history and significance of the Big Rock Nature Preserve. — Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

From greenways to a nature preserve, there are plenty of ways to explore nature in Ballantyne.

What to expect: Ballantyne Greenway is about 2 miles and takes you along part of the Carolina Thread Trail, connecting you to restaurants at The Bowl, plus offices, hotels and apartments. It also connects to more than 20 miles of walking paths and bike lanes.

If you go: The trail has several access points, including from The Bowl at 15119 Bowl St.

You can also access Ballantyne from Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway, McMullen Creek Greenway and Four Mile Creek Greenway

Zoom in: Big Rock Nature Preserve, a 23-acre Mecklenburg County site, has under 0.5 miles of trail, but there's plenty of shade. The main attraction is the big rocks, as the name suggests.

Stop by: 6500 Elmstone Dr.

2. 🏃‍♀️ If you're in your running era

OMB's Ballantyne beer garden with long beige picnic tables, closed beige umbrellas, string lights hanging above, leafless and green trees, and the Ballantyne Hotel in the background under blue sky. — You can see The Ballantyne Hotel from OMB's biergarten. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

You can see The Ballantyne Hotel from OMB's biergarten. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

If you're looking for fellow runners and walkers in Ballantyne, head to Ballantyne Running Club.

What to expect: The group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm in OMB's biergarten. There are 1.5-, 3- and 5-mile routes.

Stop by: OMB's Ballantyne location is at 15025 Bowl St.

3. 🏓 If you love pickleball

Pickleball's popularity continues, and if you're looking for courts in Ballantyne, we've got you covered.

What to expect: Two pickleball courts sit on the top level of the Hayes parking deck. They're free and open to the public 8am–7:30pm daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Pickleball paddles and balls are there for your use.

Stop by: 11405 North Community House Road

4. 🥏 1 fun thing: Disc golf course coming soon

Disc golf near green hills. — Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

Ballantyne will open a non-sanctioned 18-hole disc golf course soon at Lower Avenue between North Community House Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway. There will be plenty of street parking for the course.

Go deeper: Charlotte is a disc golf mecca

💌 Share the full Ballantyne outdoor guide with someone you want to explore the neighborhood with.