Enter monthly giveaways for local prizes -
Join the List
Green Spaces
Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

Nature Preserve

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve (formerly known as Stephens Road Nature Preserve) is a 394-acre Mecklenburg County preserve on Huntersville's western edge, protecting forest, wetlands, and stream frontage along Mountain Island Lake and the Catawba River. Eight trails, anchored by the two-mile Buckeye Loop, connect two entrances. In Huntersville, Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve is part of the Green Spaces community.

‍

5901 Stephens Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 504-9346
Visit Website
Nature Preserves
Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve trailihead in a wooded area
View of the Catawba River from the trail at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A narrow, natural-surface hiking trail through the woods at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
Posted rules and "Open Sunrise to Sunset" hours sign at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A shaded walking trail winding through the forest at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
Wildflowers blooming along a trail at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A yellow trail blaze marker post at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
View of the Catawba River from the trail at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A narrow, natural-surface hiking trail through the woods at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
Posted rules and "Open Sunrise to Sunset" hours sign at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A shaded walking trail winding through the forest at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
Wildflowers blooming along a trail at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A yellow trail blaze marker post at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

What This Preserve Offers

Enjoy beautiful walk in the woods, hiking, fishing, or just some peaceful time outside

View of the Catawba River from riverbank at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

Trail Network

  • Eight trails, nearly 6 miles total, ranging from easy to strenuous. Shaded, forested, natural-surface terrain with some rocky, root-covered sections and gradual elevation change.
  • The Buckeye Loop (2 miles) is the main route and the easiest option. Side trails let you shorten or extend the walk, including a viewing point over the Catawba River.
  • Used as running trails, dog walking trails, and hikes and hiking. 

Fishing

  • Shore-only fishing along a quiet stretch of the Catawba River, reached by a shaded hike of just under a mile each way on the Buckeye Loop to the Riverview Loop from the Stephens Road entrance

Wetlands & Wildlife

  • Home to white-tailed deer, bobcats, and several species of frogs, toads, and salamanders, and part of a state-designated Important Bird Area for waterfowl and songbirds.

Good To Know

Useful insights and tips to improve you visit

  • Admission: Free and open to the public.
  • Hours: Open sunrise to sunset daily.
  • Map: A trail map is located at the entrance to the preserve. Snap a picture on your way in.
  • Remember To Pack: Water bottles, charged cell phone, insect repellent. 
  • Accessibility: No paved paths. Trails are natural surface with roots, rocks, and some elevation change; most of the network is gradual grade, though the Pawpaw Loop and Salamander Trail are steeper.
  • Restrooms: None on site.
  • Parking: Limited at both the Stephens Road and Cashion Road entrance.
  • Rules: Dogs on leash only. No bicycles, horses, or motorized vehicles. No alcohol, hunting, or camping. Pack out what you bring in.
  • Cell Service: Limited cell phone coverage in parts of the preserve. 
  • Keep Eyes Open: Copperheads (venomous) and poison ivy are both present.
  • Fishing: Shore-only. See our guide to fishing in Huntersville for more details.
Riverview Overlook trail sign along the Riverview Loop at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve

Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve Photo Gallery

Real pictures to help you know what to expect

A shallow, rocky stream crossing along one of the trails at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
A wide, shaded trail through a pine forest section of Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
Trailhead entrance with a trash can and dog waste bag dispenser at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
The Stephens Road entrance and parking area at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve in Huntersville, NC
Posted trail map sign showing all eight trails and the 394-acre boundary at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve in Huntersville, NC
The Catawba River view from the Riverview Loop overlook at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
The gravel access road connecting the two entrances at Buckeye Cove Nature Preserve
No items found.

Reviews

Read about others expereinces here

"It's a rugged trail. I'm amazed to see people running on it...but to each his own. It's a 1 1/4 miles to water...once you're there it's time to turn around or take some of the side trail.Another trail I'll visit again."

Lawrence Ancrum, Google Review

‍

"This was off the beaten path. There are several trails that can intertwine together so you can vary the length of your walk. It was a hot day, but most of the trail was under tree cover, and there was a nice breeze."

Kristi Jinks, Google Review

"Excellent for your average walker/hiker.  Trails were clearly marked with several differentvariations of trails to choosefrom.  It was a great 4 mile hike."

Gary Rapp, Google Review

"What a hidden gem! Plenty of trails to keep you hiking for at least a few hours. Most of the main trials are very well maintained. The trails that serve as shortcuts as well as the ones that loop off themselves are less maintained and feel more "off the path" which is great if you want something slightly more challenging. Great views of a spur off the River. Despite going after and during the rain, most of the trails were not too muddy either. If you like Latta Nature Preserve you will love it here. Very peaceful park."

Mike B, Google Review

Location

5901 Stephens Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078