Crowders Mountain State Park in southwestern North Carolina stretches from the South Carolina state line northeast towards Gastonia, North Carolina. The park follows a rugged Appalachian ridgeline that features Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle. Crowders Mountain is a kyanite-quartzite monadnock rising to 1,625 toes with sheer vertical cliffs. Kyanite was mined within the space within the 1800s. In distinction, Kings Pinnacle has the next elevation of 1,705 toes with a rounded profile. The land was as soon as the looking floor of the Catawba and Cherokee Indians. Through the Revolutionary Conflict, a small military of American Patriots who had settled alongside the frontier marched over this ridge to battle the British military at close by Kings Mountain in South Carolina. These scrappy “Overmountain” males, who had been principally farmers and hunters, shocked the British troops commanded by Main Patrick Ferguson and inflicted heavy casualties. This decisive victory by Patriot forces was a turning within the conflict, inflicting the British to retreat from the area.

There are miles of mountaineering trails in Crowders Mountain State Park. The Ridgeline Path begins close to the summit of Kings Pinnacle and follows the ridge south to the South Carolina state line. In South Carolina the Ridgeline Path connects to trails that proceed by means of Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain Nationwide Navy Park close to Blacksburg. Different trails at Crowders Mountain State Park lead hikers towards the summit of Crowders Mountain. The Bottom Path is strenuous, with 336 steps on the high. The Rocktop Path and the Tower Path are additionally strenuous and steep. The Lake Path and the Fern Path are a lot simpler to hike. Guests may even see quite a lot of wildlife within the park together with black and turkey vultures that roost on rocky outcrops.One other well-liked exercise at Crowders Mountain State Park is mountain climbing, which is allowed in designated areas. Pitons and bolts will not be permitted. Bouldering is allowed on Buzzards Roost. Fishing is permitted within the park’s lake with a North Carolina fishing license. Canoes can be found for lease. Different leisure actions embrace picnicking and tenting. Primitive campsites can be found with water and pit bathrooms. Campers should hike to the websites with their gear. There are additionally primitive group campsites within the park.

Crowders Mountain State Park will be accessed off I-85 in North Carolina at Exit eight (Hwy 161). Observe directional indicators to the park. The park is open yr spherical, however park hours fluctuate seasonally. There isn’t a park entrance payment.