Hiking rec's Charlotte, North Carolina?

I'm heading to Charlotte in mid-November and will have time for a full day hike. I'd probably want it to be within say an hour or two of Charlotte.

I'd prefer something without a lot of people and of course natural beauty. Wildlife is great too. It does not need to be an easy hike and can have elevation gain and tough terrain.

Thanks in advance!

I'd suggest this,http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/appalachian-ranger-district/mount-mitchell, but it may be too far of a drive from Charlotte.