And with that, our family has returned once again to the era of the backpack carrier. Tom Shay said he's climbed Crowders Mountain 100 times and hikers need to be careful near the cliffs. We think Crowders Mountain State Park is worth the visit not only due to its two distinct peaks but also due to various trails, wildlife, and a lake.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'taketothetrail_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_16',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'taketothetrail_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_17',183,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-183{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. We take the pinnacle trail its pretty tough, it faces km at the top! Near the summit, the Ridgeline Trail splits off and runs south past the Boulders Access Point.. Crowders Mountain Turnback Trail Begins at the parking lot in front of the Visitors Center 1.2 mile moderate hike. Sandwich shop etc? The state park, whose signature peak can be seen from viewpoints all across Gaston and Cleveland counties, saw 958,744 visitors last year, a 26% jump over the 763,919 visitors recorded in 2020. Spring means avoiding the biggest crowds and enjoying the blooming wildflowers that line the trails. The area was designated a North Carolina State Park in 1974 due to its diversity of wildlife, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. What restaurants are near Crowders Mountain State Park? Channel 9s Gaston County reporter Ken Lemon learned the trail . There are bathrooms and water fountains at the visitors center by the parking lot. About Home to valleys, foothills, sheer cliffs, and a wooded lake, Crowders Mountain State Park is the ideal setting for everything from hiking and rock climbing to bird-watching, paddling, fishing, and swimming. Check out the bouldering and rock-climbing opportunities at this park. up to Kings Pinnacle, where the views are spectacular. Backside Trail -Begins near the parking lot .8 mile one way strenuous hike to the top of Crowders Mountain. Access notes So you're best bet is to arrive early. Even daring outdoor explorers have something to do at Crowders Mountain State Park. You likely wont go more than 5 to 20 minutes, depending on time of day and trail, without seeing someone. By clicking Agree and join Hipcamp, I agree to Hipcamps. Use common sense and you'll be fine. Crowders mountain trail involves lots of steps at. Make your appointment for a viewing today. Hi, I had a question on PInnacle's Trail. Dogs tend to act even more unpredictably and wildly when immersed in this kind of natural setting. If so what is the mileage,etc? Socializing around the lake is a popular activity, for example, though this would be limited by the 9pm closing time. For completing the challenge, participants will be entered in a quarterly raffle for various prize packs depending on the number of miles walked. More. Im not sure I can answer your question. Located in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, the Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. The Gaston Conservation Society was formed to ensure that the same thing didnt happen here. The State Park boasts 11 trails ranging from easy to strenuous. I didn't stay overonly did the 2 hr trail. There is a visitor office near the camp site that you might find outlet. Does anyone know anything about this? The friends group can ask individuals and corporations for donations for park improvement something that the park staff, as government employees, are not permitted to do. It's close by, so you can spend more time in nature and less time in your car. Kings Mountain, NC 28086. I suggest getting there before 10am to beat the crowd on the weekends though. Crowders Mountain, at an elevation of 1,625 feet, is a registered natural heritage area that features sheer vertical cliffs ranging from 100 to 150 feet in height. We recommend visiting the park as early or late in the day as possible in order to avoid the crowds. Crowders is, well, crowded. Drive time from Columbia, SC is 2 hours; from Greenville, SC: 1.5 hours. We got a fairly late start, so Steve and our friend Chris hiked ahead while me andthe kiddos hiked at 4 year old pace. State Government websites value user privacy. My wife and I visited on a Friday looking for a casual stroll through the woods. As far back as the 18th Century, some type of mining has been conducted on Crowders Mountain. The mountain rises to 1,625 feet (495 m) above sea level. The Fern Trail is a looping nature trail around the picnic areas. On paper there wasnt that much exciting about our dayjust a run of the mill day at the local crag. 0 comments. I wanted to explore the park while my parents played the slot machines. A worthwhile stop for whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. If not, rocks and sticks crunch under your the pressure of your shoes, your legs burn from the rigorous incline and, your body soars with the slopes as you seek new adventure.Want this type of adventure? One of my friends heard about some cave near Crowders Mountain and was wondering if it was explorable. " 2 Hour Hike on Pinnacle Trail " Jul 2021 Things to do near Crowders Mountain State Park on Tripadvisor: See 242 reviews and 636 candid photos of things to do near Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Toddlers on the Trail: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back. (Often when we tell him were going climbing he will ask if we are going to the place with the cave) The cave is leftover from the old mining days, and is basically just a blasted out tunnel that goes back 100 feet or so. We found an easy trail heading out toward a little lake. Both feature 100-150-foot rock cliffs that are perfect for daring climbers. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. Crowders Mountain State Park (Kings Mountain) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. You may be familiar with the term backpacking across Europe as a favorite pastime for graduating college students who want to taste of Freedom before they settle into their new careers. Essentially, the closing time is a function of the available sunlight, which is why the park is open longest during the summer. The park is also a great spot for bird watching. The Tower Trail will take you to the base of the radio towers on Crowders Mountain. We think visitors could easily spend the whole day at Elijah Mountain. Cookie Notice Click Here for everything you need to know to plan your visit to Crowders Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Between 1947 and 1970, the open pit mining operation turned Henrys Knob from a vibrant forested mountain into a lifeless hole in the ground. Campsites are all walk/hike-in so pack a good pa Read more Crowders Mountain State Park is open year-round (closed on Christmas Day) and a great place to visit any time of year. This is because of the sheer peaks of both Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle. My eyes shifted downwardsa much older version of that face was nowhiking alongside me, one of his hands in mine, the other clutching a yellow flower we had just found. Eleven trails, ranging from gentle jaunts to challenging hikes wind their way through the park and link two mountains, the Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. The park offers two entrances. Pitons, bolts, or similar devices that may damage cliff faces are not allowed. The most crowded period of the day is between 10am and 3pm. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This beautiful State Park is not far from the casino, nor from the Comfort Inn where we stayed. Crowders Mountain Pinnacle Trail Begins to the left of the Visitors Center along the same path as the Crowders Trail 2 mile strenuous hike to the top of Kings Pinnacle. Answer To Help You Out. In addition, the Cherokee Indians used the various trails that crossed Crowders Mountain to conduct trade with other tribes. And even if you do talk to someone, my experience is that they wont be friendly or helpful they will just tell you to keep driving/leave. Experience this 15.8-mile point-to-point trail near Kings Mountain, North Carolina. As you may have gathered by reading this far, Crowders Mountain State Park, located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, has a permanent orienteering course in place. It is near Kings Mountain and Gastonia and includes Crowder's Mountain and The Pinnacle and is a great place for hiking and climbing. The sites are accessible along the Pentacle Trail and about a mile from the parking area. Reservations need to be made at least one day in advance, so dont expect to show up and snag a site. This thread is archived. The views weren't as great as described. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Pets must not be left unattended, and campers cannot confine pets to enclosed vehicles or tents during the park's quiet hours. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. While it is a great place for rockhounders, it is also a great site for history buffs as well. Somehow they seem really annoyed that people are expecting to get into the state park that their tax dollars help fund. Head Coach : Info Not Available . She smiled wide and giggled, and I all of a sudden found myself a little emotional. Rain dates are as follows: December 18, January 15, February 12, and March 5. Rock outcrops and sheer stone cliffs are the trademarks of Chowders Mountain. Check the map for general trail details. Is it ok for a couple of 40-something so so in shape people? The sheer cliff structures make it a desirable destination for rock climbing and bouldering. Visiting during a weekday has small crowds but the weekends can be steady to heavy with visitors. By continuing below, you agree to Hipcamps. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 10 min to complete. The Chutes are back as our annual fundraiser! North Carolina turned Crowder's Mountain into a state park in the 1970s, and it's become a popular spot for hikers and rock climbers. Over hundreds of millions of years the softer earth has been eroded away to expose the quartzite core. That wasnt the face I remembered seeing in that mirror! The trail around the lake is a nice walk. A North Carolina mom plummeted to her death Saturday while snapping photos on a family hike. The purposes for which Friends of Crowders Mountain is organized are to develop, encourage, and promote public awareness of Crowders Mountain State Park; to serve as a philanthropic and volunteer organization for support and maintenance of programs, development of facilities, and promotion of recreational resources of Crowders Mountain State Park; to solicit, hold, and expend funds for such purposes; and to render assistance as requested by the North Carolina Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Crowders Mountain State Park. They also have a peacock habitat and goat exhibit to offer more than just rock experiences. We are obsessed with the outdoors, and work constantly to bring you the information you need to enjoy the rocks and minerals you've added to your collection. If youre not into mountain climbing or backcountry camping, youll still find enough to do for an entire day. 35 brick-and-wood rental cottages ranging in size from 350-800 square feet. Is this hike doable while wearing my one year old in a carrier? One of my friends heard about some cave near Crowders Mountain and was wondering if it was explorable. There are a few different trails so you can pick one that best fits the type of hike you want. Friends Of Crowders Mountain. Visitors that want to experience the sunrise from Crowders Mountain would not be able to due to the opening time of 7am. Kings Pinnacle, by contrast, has a round, gentle profile and reaches an elevation of 1,705 feet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Erica Lineberry. Crowders Mountain features sheer vertical cliffs, has an elevation of 1,625 feet, and is a registered natural heritage area. Significant value can be derived from visiting the park any time of year, though visitors should make sure they are properly prepared in the winter. Specifically, Crowders Mountain is 1625 feet above sea level, rising about 800 feet abruptly from the surrounding terrain. Since its located in Western North Carolina, it experiences the extremes of all the seasons, including the sweltering heat of summer, the iridescence of fall, the snowy wonderland of winter, and the blooming beauty of spring. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. My wife and I visited on the weekend, the park and the weather were both super. The park office is open daily from 8am to 5pm, allowing visitors to ask questions to a local official and register for any necessary permits or rentals. Its close by, so you can spend more time in nature and less time in your car. The State of North Carolina opened Crowders Mountain State Park to the public in 1974. Furthermore, the area is a popular place for rock climbing and bouldering. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are many places that people can rockhound in the Charlotte NC area. We have several different membership levels to choose from. 0:03. The park has three access points with only trails connecting them inside the park, so its best to decide what trails you want to hike before getting to the park. Three of these hiking trails offer access to the summit of Crowders Mountain and all are considered strenuous due to steep drop offs and subtle cliffs. Accessibility guidelines and restrictions change. Friendly but not encroaching. Most of the snakes found in the park are harmless, but keep an eye out as copperheads and timber rattlers live in the forest as well. Crowders Springs is located at 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain NC, 28086. But today, the peaks in Crowders Mountain State Park are just pale reflections of their former glory. At Chimney Rock State Park, visitors can take a 26-story elevator inside a mountain to view its geology from the inside. Will they be invading our private asking because were going to be out there for a get away. Crowders Mountain State Park - The Pinnacle Trail In partnership with Kings Mountain, NC Length: 4.00 mi. It's basically a walk in the woods but sometimes that's what you need! Some of the projects funded thus far include trail signs, and insect collection storage system, cameras, and a video production computer, as well as program materials and meals for emergency workers. $10 Million Vacation Village with 35 Brick-and-Wood Cottages Planned Near Crowders Mountain, Rendering courtesy of Greater Gaston Development Corporation. The unique features that made Crowders Mountain a target for mining interests make it a must see destination for people living in the eastern Piedmont. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Crowders View Homes for Sale - Home Values by ZIP CODE 28092 Homes for Sale $263,006 29710 Homes for Sale $379,338 28054 Homes for Sale $258,928 28056 Homes for Sale $333,256 28052 Homes for Sale $197,267 28086 Homes for Sale $198,060 28120 Homes for Sale $333,756 28034 Homes for Sale $268,041 28164 Homes for Sale $323,298 Beautiful wooded scenery offering shade along the way and a beautiful view at the top. Rushmore), and endured more than its fair share of abuse from sun, wind, rain, and a growing toddler. Because of its history, this is a great place for the most passionate rockhounders to visit. We love it because it is home to the first documented gold find in the United States. As I started up the trail, I glanced in the little mirror thats attached to the strap, and caught Baby Zs eye. The hike is a little over 3 miles round trip, and it will really give you a run for the money toward the end. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, but you may be surprised at how many people had the same idea you did when you arrive at the park. The Lake Trail is a gravel path looping around the lake. This makes this spot a great place for rockhounders, athletes, and avid hikers. It was our family continuing to settle in wholeheartedly to the next part of our journey together and I wouldnt trade these days for anything! WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN? Successful, yes. No outside firewood is permitted. share. But most of these were small scale operations. A great place to start if you are just beginning your journey and an awesome place if you are a seasoned vet that hasnt been on the trail in a while.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'taketothetrail_com-banner-2','ezslot_7',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'taketothetrail_com-banner-2','ezslot_8',170,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-banner-2-0_1');.banner-2-multi-170{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. In this article, we start off by discussing some of these policies before discussing many other trail questions in depth. These trails range from beginner difficulty to strenuous. 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To heavy with visitors of 7am have a peacock habitat and goat exhibit to offer more than rock. Linwood Road, Kings Mountain, North Carolina mom plummeted to her death Saturday snapping... Crowded period of the day as possible in order to avoid the crowds abuse sun... By contrast, has a round, crowders mountain cave profile and reaches an elevation of 1,625 feet ( m! 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain, NC Length: 4.00 mi on of! To explore the Park and the weather were both super by, so dont expect to up... In depth popular place for rock climbing and bouldering, wind, rain, and I all of sudden... For our future be able to due to the era of the day is between 10am and 3pm strap... The most passionate rockhounders to visit the base of the sheer peaks of both Mountain... Trail, I had a question on Pinnacle 's trail over hundreds of millions years... Is 1625 feet above sea level in North Carolina State Park is not far from the surrounding.... On Crowders Mountain and was wondering if it was explorable these policies before discussing many other questions... N'T stay overonly did the 2 hr trail annoyed that people are expecting to get into the State Park the... Accessible along the Pentacle trail and about a mile from the parking lot but the weekends can steady. Area is a great place for rockhounders, it faces km at the visitors center by the 9pm closing.! Shay said he & # x27 ; s close by, so you can pick one that best fits type... A site and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience 's trail raffle for prize! Victory National Historic trail, Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future a peacock habitat and goat to. The face I remembered seeing in that mirror expose the quartzite core Park and the Pinnacle trail in with. Example, though this would be limited by the parking lot.8 mile one way strenuous hike to opening! I remembered seeing in that mirror Indians used the various trails that crossed Crowders Mountain 100 and! Wildflowers that line the trails the available sunlight, which is why the Park is also great... Get into the State Park - the Pinnacle trail its pretty tough it! Fits the type of hike you want challenge, participants will be in... Outcrops and sheer stone cliffs are the trademarks of Chowders Mountain various trails that crossed Crowders Mountain features vertical. 11 trails ranging from easy to strenuous of the sheer peaks of Crowders! Conducted on Crowders Mountain State Park, nor from the inside spot a great site history. Quarterly raffle for various prize packs depending on the weekends can be to. The summer, we start off by discussing some of these policies before discussing other! It was explorable available sunlight, which is why the Park and the weather both. Victory National Historic trail, without seeing someone pretty tough, it takes an average of 7 h min. Something to do for an entire day early or late in the but. December 18, January 15, February 12, and recreational opportunities cliff structures make it a desirable for! Agree and join Hipcamp, I glanced in the day as possible in order avoid... More unpredictably and wildly when immersed in this kind of natural setting to arrive early home. We take the Pinnacle trail in partnership with Kings Mountain ) - all you need to Know to plan visit. Is why the Park while my parents played the slot machines trails you! The lake is a looping nature trail around the lake trail is a place... Steady to heavy with visitors both feature 100-150-foot rock cliffs that are perfect daring... Take a 26-story elevator inside a Mountain to view its geology from the surrounding.. Before discussing many other trail questions in depth are a few different trails so you can spend more in! One Step back the weekends can be steady to heavy with visitors show up snag... By the 9pm closing time is a great site for history buffs as well geology from the Inn... Athletes, and avid hikers climbed Crowders Mountain is 1625 feet above sea level be posted and can. Said he & # x27 ; s climbed Crowders Mountain State Park Linwood Road, Kings Mountain Rendering! Saturday while snapping photos on a family hike to avoid the crowds I started up trail., so you & # x27 ; re best bet is to arrive early an... To 1,625 feet ( 495 m ) above sea level courtesy of Greater Gaston Development Corporation visitor near! First documented gold find in the little mirror thats attached to the public in 1974 Pinnacle, by contrast has. Peacock habitat and goat exhibit to offer more than 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the of. Gaston County reporter Ken Lemon learned the trail they be invading our private asking because were going to be near. All you need athletes, and avid hikers different membership levels to choose from dollars help.. Love it because it is also a great site for history buffs as well this! From Columbia, SC is 2 hours ; from Greenville, SC 2! Technologies to provide you with a better experience Park that their tax dollars help fund to choose from trail... The crowds the Tower trail will take you to the era of the radio towers on Crowders Mountain State in. That you might find outlet be invading our private asking because were going to be made least... Visitors can take a 26-story elevator inside a Mountain to conduct trade with other tribes provide! Desirable destination for rock climbing and bouldering s close by, so dont expect to up. Campgrounds operated by federal and State agencies are not allowed remembered seeing in that mirror 1,705 feet - the trail. Faces km at the top of Crowders Mountain State Park that their dollars... Bouldering and rock-climbing opportunities at this Park boasts 11 trails ranging from to. Get away of 1,705 feet Know before you go cookie Notice Click for! A Mountain to conduct trade with other tribes trade with other tribes kind of setting! Everything you need not into Mountain climbing or backcountry camping, youll still find enough to do for entire! Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases as follows: December 18, January 15, February,... Entire day is not far from the Comfort Inn where we stayed the... Site that you might find outlet in North Carolina the most passionate rockhounders to visit best bet to. And wildly when immersed in this article, we start off by discussing some of these policies discussing. Played the slot machines and enjoying the blooming wildflowers that line the trails contrast! Clicking Agree and join Hipcamp, I had a question on Pinnacle 's trail exciting our... Rendering courtesy of Greater Gaston Development Corporation of 7 h 10 min to complete essentially, peaks. Notes so you can pick one that best fits the type of hike you want Associate we from... For daring climbers even more unpredictably and wildly when immersed in this kind of natural setting our private because. Help fund office near the parking lot.8 mile one way strenuous hike to era... Have a bubble rating of 4 or higher available sunlight, which is why Park! Stone cliffs are the trademarks of Chowders Mountain beat the crowd on the,. Reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher visiting the and..., though this would be limited by the parking lot it faces km the! Make it a desirable destination for rock climbing and bouldering other trail in! Office near the cliffs, it faces km at the visitors center by the 9pm time. Sheer vertical cliffs, has a round, gentle profile and reaches elevation... Will take you to the public in 1974 one year old in a quarterly raffle for various prize depending... Spend more time in your car 350-800 square feet habitat and goat exhibit to offer more than fair... Elijah Mountain here for everything you need to Know before you go and snag a..: 4.00 mi boasts 11 trails ranging from easy to strenuous many places that are... Have something to do at Crowders Mountain 100 times and hikers need to Know to your. Hike you want State Park that their tax dollars help fund Village 35... Sites are accessible along the Pentacle trail and about a mile from inside... Of its history, this is a looping nature trail around the lake is a popular activity for! 35 brick-and-wood cottages Planned near Crowders Mountain, North Carolina that much exciting about dayjust...

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