Latta Nature Preserve covers 1,460 acres on Mountain Island Lake: 16-plus miles of trail, horse trails, a kayak launch, Quest and the Raptor Center.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Facts come from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s guide to the preserve, the county’s park and trail data, Quest and the Carolina Raptor Center. County parks: 980-314-1001. Quest: 980-314-7878.

Latta Nature Preserve covers about 1,460 acres on Mountain Island Lake in Huntersville and is run by Mecklenburg County. It holds more than 16 miles of trail, horse trails, the county’s Quest nature center and the Carolina Raptor Center.

What this means for you

  • Getting there: the preserve is on Sample Road. Use the main gate, not the private drive your map app may suggest, the county warns.
  • Free: the trails, picnicking and, when it opened, Quest.
  • Paid: the Raptor Trail at the Carolina Raptor Center.
  • Dogs: welcome on a leash.

What to do

From the county’s guide to the preserve:

  • Hike more than 16 miles on a dozen trails. The county singles out the view at Buzzard Rock.
  • Ride your own horse on the equestrian-friendly trails.
  • Paddle: put a kayak, canoe or paddleboard in at the kayak launch.
  • Fish: you can borrow poles and buy bait at Quest.
  • Picnic, and walk a leashed dog.
  • Programs: nature programs, some free and some with a fee, and summer camps, booked through the county’s program search.

The trail map is the county’s Latta Nature Preserve map, linked from the town’s greenway and trail page.

Quest

Quest, 6345 Sample Road, is the preserve’s nature center: more than 13,000 square feet with an exhibit hall and a 6,500-gallon aquarium of native fish, including gar, the county says. When it opened, parking and admission were free. It runs nature programs, animal meet-and-greets, family scavenger hunts and a summer day camp. Phone: 980-314-7878.

Carolina Raptor Center

The Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, is inside the preserve. Its Raptor Trail shows birds of prey “from tiny little owls to bald eagles,” as the county puts it, and there is a gift shop. The trail carries a separate admission. Coming up:

Date Event
Saturday, Oct. 17 Owl-O-Ween, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31 Raptor Tales storytime, 10:30 a.m., ages 1 to 5
Saturday, Nov. 7 Birds and Brews

More: our Halloween events page.

Historic Latta Place

Latta Place, the historic house on the property, is shown above. The county’s park data lists the Latta Place site as closed. Check with county parks, 980-314-1001, before planning a visit to the house. Our history and landmarks page covers Huntersville’s historic sites.

Nearby

  • Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road: the fall corn maze and the November sheepdog trials. See fall festivals.
  • Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge, 2329 Neck Road, and Gar Creek Nature Preserve, 10020 McCoy Road: more county land on the lakes.
  • Greenways in town: our walking and biking trails guide.

More: parks and trails, dog-friendly Huntersville and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Latta Nature Preserve?

About 1,460 acres, with more than 16 miles on a dozen trails, according to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.

Can you ride horses at Latta Nature Preserve?

Yes. The county says visitors can bring their own horses and ride the preserve’s equestrian-friendly trails.

Is Quest at Latta Nature Preserve free?

When it opened, the county said parking and admission at Quest, the preserve’s nature center, were free. Quest is at 6345 Sample Road; call 980-314-7878 to confirm hours.

Are dogs allowed at Latta Nature Preserve?

Yes, on a leash. The county lists walking a leashed dog among the things to do at the preserve.

Is the Carolina Raptor Center in Latta Nature Preserve?

Yes. The Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, is in the preserve. Its Raptor Trail and programs carry their own admission.