Something big has come to Charlotte and it’s a troll. He’s resting on his side, looking over the growing River District as it develops.
His name is Big Pete, or Big Pete with the Big Feet, and he’s one of the seven trolls by Thomas Dambo in North Carolina.
Trail construction has made it easier, more fun, and less muddy to visit him.
Read on to learn about Big Pete and how to find him! Or just jump to the directions.
When you visit please be respectful of the art and don’t climb on it. It’s free to visit, every day from dusk to dawn.
Also, learn about the 6 other Dambo trolls in North Carolina.
But first, those feet. They are very big, more than 7 feet tall (or long) each! Each toe has an inset cut out, giving the appearance of toenails, especially when the shadows fall the right way. On the underside of the foot there’s even an arch.
About the Big Pete Troll
Danish artist Thomas Dambo creates giant trolls out of recycled woods, including pallets, barrels, fallen branches, scrap wood and twigs. They can be found all over the world.
Big Pete is 65 feet long, making him one of the largest of Dambo’s trolls.
Each feature of Big Pete is delightful to encounter in person, up close, from the hair made of twigs and leaves to the ear hiding under his right hand.
Every one of Dambo’s trolls has its own story.
Big Pete’s story is about his big feet and how they crushed the flowers when he walked. Should he keep walking, or just rest? For now he’s resting.
Where to find Big Pete
Big Pete is in the River District, in the southwest of Charlotte. The River District is under construction, so be careful.
Getting to Big Pete
Directions:
To find Big Pete, you can take exit 6 (West Blvd) off of I-485. Go west (right if you’re on the outer loop, left if you’re on the inner loop.) When you cross Dixie River Road into the River District, West Blvd becomes River District Drive. Park on the street near the intersection of River District Drive and Crescent River Road.
GPS:
- The intersection of River District Drive and Crescent River Road is a good thing to put into your GPS.
- If your navigation is not finding those streets yet, since the roads are new, try Dixie River Road and West Blvd.
- Alternately, just plug these coordinates in, and you’ll end up in exactly the right spot: 35°11’30.3″N 80°59’09.1″W
From there you can see Big Pete on top of a hill, which is planted with flowers. (Notice how it goes along with his story?)
Enter the Forge William Trailhead and follow the path. You’ll walk on gravel paths around the hill and through the woods, leading you to the troll. (No more climbing up a muddy hill!)
If you have time, explore the trails! There’s even an impressive fort just down the path from Big Pete!
You can visit any time from dawn to dusk. There’s no cost to visit.
Other Dambo Trolls in North Carolina
Want to go on a troll scavenger hunt throughout North Carolina? There are six other full-size trolls.
Raleigh
There are five Dambo Trolls in Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Learn about each of these Dambo trolls and how to find them. They are free to visit.
High Point
Little Sally arrived in High Point, North Carolina, the same day that her bigger brother, Big Pete, arrived in Charlotte. This map might help you find Little Sally.
Use trollmap.com to find any of Dambo’s trolls in the world.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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