49ers Trail

The 49ers Trail

Welcome to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a community devoted to both school spirit and green spaces. For its collective student body of more than 29K undergraduate and graduate students, UNCC has abundant programs for Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees. For residents and visitors, the campus and surrounding University City area is alive with public and performance art, athletic events, fitness trails, gardens, retail, dining and beyond. As for the UNCC nickname, “the 49ers” references the year that a permanent college was first established in Charlotte, the fact that the campus is located on NC Highway 49 and the history of Charlotte as a rich gold mining area. Norm the Niner is the official mascot – a student wearing a Charlotte 49ers athletic uniform and slouch hat, with a pick-axe in hand.

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Time/Distance Estimates

Route 1

UNCC Main Station to Shoppes at University Place

1.3 miles
28-min walk
8-min bike ride
Easy intensity

Route 2

UNCC Main Station to end of Clark’s Creek Greenway

6.2 miles
2 hours, 6-min walk
35-min bike ride
Strenuous intensity

Neighborhoods to Note

First Ward, Optimist Park, NoDa, University City

1Explore

The Dubois Center at UNCC Center City, the urban extension of the main campus

Take a look at this uniquely-design structure meant to enhance the skyline while resembling a stack of books next to First Ward Park. The name honors the legacy of former Chancellor Philip Dubois and First Lady Lisa Dubois, who have served as leaders in both the campus and Charlotte communities.

2Keep Moving

Ride the light rail from 9th Street Station to UNCC Main Station

Just 10 light rail stops from Uptown, the main UNCC campus is like a little world of its own. En route, be sure to take in all of the public art commissioned for the borders of the LYNX Blue Line track.

3EXPLORE

The UNCC main campus, 1,000 acres in size

You could spend half a day walking around here (and please feel free to, with this campus walking tour map). Make a point to check out the Student Union Art Gallery, which represents student life; Jerry Richardson Stadium where 49ers football happens; and Robinson Hall, which hosts more than 100 performing arts events annually.

4EXPLORE

the UNCC Botanical Gardens, which have been evolving since 1966

The Gardens were originally created as a classroom for biology students and as a horticultural and botanical resource for the community. Admission is free.

5CHOOSE A PATH

Veer off from campus: Shoppes at University Place or the nearby greenways

Option 1: Shoppes at University Place, complete with a serene lake

Follow Craver Road to continue onto Phillips Road. Access the UNCC Fitness Trail to North Tryon Street. Turn right onto North Tryon and take the sidewalk to JW Clay Boulevard. Turn left into the Shoppes.

Take the UNCC Fitness Trail to reach the more than 38 shops, services and dining spots at this energetic community center. Retail options include Uptown Cheapskate consignment, Chico’s Outlet and Velocity Sneaker Boutique, while the real gems are the lakeside concert series and boardwalk.