Quest at Latta Nature Preserve

Experience More - Subscribe to Our Weekly Events Newsletter

Treat yourself and the family to a visit to The Quest Center, including The Raptor Center and the entire Latta Nature Preserve! You'll find spectacular adventures outdoors, just 20 minutes north of Charlotte at 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.

As you arrive at the main gate, you'll realize that Quest is a visitor center and so much more. It is staffed and equipped with insider insights about how best to leverage all aspects of recreational and learning opportunities throughout this multi-dimensional park. Wander the Center's 13000 square feet of immersive exhibits, curated programs, and amenities. Check out the gift shop and grab a snack. Ask questions of the helpful staff. From there, you'll be on your way to quality time at the largest in nature preserve Mecklenburg County.

Once you've covered the Center, your next best strategy will be to begin your adventures by driving straight through the preserve directly to the end of the trail. This approach will give you a sense of the size and scope of the place, the grounds, and assorted by-ways to various features scattered around the property. And, this will help you to gauge the expansive property to plot your overall plan for the day effectively.

As you arrive at the water's edge, you'll realize that you are visiting a peninsula adjacent to Mountain Island Lake amidst a natural heritage site and preservation area. Pro tip: As you drive through, be sure to offer the right of way to riders on horseback, as park rules require.

[IMAGE="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/009/08/horses-have-the-right-of-way.jpg" margin="5" align="CENTER" width="662" caption="Horses Have the Right of Way" wrap="0" border="1" link="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/009/08/horses-have-the-right-of-way1.jpg" title="Horses Have the Right of Way"
thumb="http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/009/08/horses-have-the-right-of-way2.jpg"]

Having reached the terminus of the main trail, why not take some time to relax along the shoreline at the end of Sample Road? Choose one of the picnic benches scattered under the trees near the water. Spend some inspirational time appreciating the gorgeous terrain and spectacular water views. Go ahead and indulge in a snack while deciding which by-ways to visit. There's so much to behold and to learn!



Is walking your jam? Bring your pedometer, grab your walking stick and strap on your hiking boots. This park boasts over1,400 acres and a dozen or more hiking trails. Get ready to log the most steps ever under the bluest skies imaginable!



Are you prepared to paddle? You'll have your choice of two launch areas with accessible ramps, and there is a dock for fishing. Pro tip: It is necessary for anglers aged 15 or older to have an NC State Fishing license.

Forgot your rod? Borrow one from the front desk. Need bait? The Gift Shop carries it. Fun Fact: Mountain Island Lake is a man-made lake fed by the Catawba River and has around 60 miles of shoreline. Duke Energy manages it, and it provides drinking water for Mecklenburg County.

Once you've hiked, paddled, and fished to your heart's content, think back to your drive to the water's edge when you first arrived at the Preserve. You'll recall having noticed the entrance to a truly extraordinary feature of the park: The Raptor Center at Quest.



Through your Carolina Raptor Center experience, you'll learn about its mission to preserve and protect raptors in North Carolina. Youngsters will have plenty of exciting sights and squawks to experience while encountering raptors up close. Adults will gain fascinating insights from among the park's compelling and well-documented environs. Ask the staff about their many opportunities to engage with adults and children of all ages. Pro tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and watch your step. The terrain here is quite rustic.



You're sure to be impressed by the Center's research into the habits and range of raptors they have tagged and returned to the wild. The Center is home to a fantastic collection of species. Raptors, in general, are at risk in the wild due to human intervention such as automobile accidents, toxic trash, pollution, and poisons. The Carolina Raptor Center exists, therefore, to provide protection and rehabilitation. Overall, it is a beautiful educational asset to touring visitors and to regional schools. Pro Tip: You'll want to explore the fun and unique gift shop.

Contact Information:
Visit www.thisisquest.org or call 980-314-7878 (QUEST) for hours of operation, programs, resources, special events, social media, and general information. The main entrance address is 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.

You'll find The Carolina Raptor Center – CarolinaRaptorCenter.org- located inside the park at 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Call (704) 875-6521 or visit the website for specific information regarding special programming, social media, and hours of operation.

#near_charlotte
#parks
#places_of_interest
%wncharlotte