McAuley Road

Preserving rural communities is increasingly difficult in fast-growing suburban areas. Many old farms, small communities, and dirt roads have been paved over for homes, shopping centers, and more. In the quickly growing area between Huntersville and Concord, there is a short piece of road and adjacent surroundings that will take you back to a simpler time - McAuley Road.

McAuley Road may be the last dirt road in all of Mecklenburg County. The 1.5-mile road in the northern part of the county was named a state Byway in 2020.

Travel down this road and you’ll immediately forget the ongoing growth of the Northern Mecklenburg and Western Cabarrus suburbs. Over 700 acres of land along McAuley Road has also been preserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy.

The McAuley Farm dates to the late 1800s and many of the buildings along McAuley Road date to the early 20th century. Originally a cotton farm, it transitioned to corn, beans, and livestock in the mid-20th Century.

McAuley Road is a quick detour whether you're traveling along NC 73.  The work of the Catawba Lands Conservancy and local communities will make sure it can be enjoyed for years to come.

All photos taken by post author - February 3, 2024.

Sources & Links:

• My personal photo album of McAuley Road (updated occasionally).
• Sullivan, Lee. "Remote McAuley Road set to become North Carolina Scenic Byway." Lake Norman Media Group.
• McAuley Road Farmland ---Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission
• McAuley Road Scenic Byway ---National Scenic Byway Foundation
• Catawba Lands Conservancy

How To Get There: