A cautionary outdoor scene with a rocky, uneven terrain and a steep, narrow dirt path leading up alongside a large rock formation. Leafless trees and a clear blue sky form the backdrop. A prominent yellow warning sign with black and red text stands out, cautioning: ‘WARNING SERIOUS INJURIES AND DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED BEYOND THIS POINT.’
Getting Close to the top of the Pinnacle. Near the end of the Pinnacle Trail, stone steps will take you closer to the top.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Visiting Crowders Mountain State Park

For details on our visit check out our Crowders Mountain State Park Field Report

Found just outside Gastonia, North Carolina, Crowders Mountain rises up from the typically flat terrain of the eastern Piedmont to tower over the surrounding area. Thanks to Crowders Mountain State Park’s location, just a short drive from the bustling metropolis of Charlotte, it’s become a popular spot for adventure seekers as well as those more relaxation minded as well.

Kings Pinnacle at Crowders Mountain State Park - A panoramic view from a high vantage point overlooking a vast landscape. The foreground features rugged terrain with sharp, jagged rocks and patches of greenery. A dense forest extends towards the horizon in the middle ground, while the background shows a flat expanse with scattered buildings, suggesting a distant town. The sky is clear and blue with minimal clouds, and a small flying object is visible in the upper left corner. The photo appears to have been taken from atop a mountain or high hill, offering a sweeping view that highlights the natural beauty and grandeur of the area.
Most people stop here at Kings Pinnacle, but keep going. After you catch your breath follow the path to the very top of the mountain for the best views.

The most notable feature of Crowders Mountain State Park aside from its elevation is its geology. Rock outcrops are rare this far east, but around these peaks, boulders are abundant. Geologically speaking, Crowders Mountain State Park is much more like the foothills region of the Appalachian Mountains than the rolling hills of the Piedmont.

Crowders Mountain terrain- The photograph captures a serene forest scene, showcasing a rugged terrain with tall, leafless trees whose branches stretch towards the sky. The ground is uneven, strewn with rocks and a carpet of fallen leaves, suggesting a natural hiking trail or an untamed woodland area. The clear blue sky peeks through the tree canopy, indicating pleasant weather conditions. In the distance, a rocky hillside contributes to the wild, unspoiled ambiance of the landscape. This setting could evoke discussions about nature’s beauty, the changing seasons, or outdoor activities like hiking in a deciduous forest environment.
The hardwood forest at Crowders Mountain State Park mixes with boulders and stone at the lower levels but soon gives way to impressive granite outcrops as you approach the summit.

The state park is also home to a mature climax forest of mostly hardwood trees with abundant wildlife. If you’re lucky you might actually spot some of the deer, fox, or chipmunks that call the park home, but as the park tends to be very busy, most animals keep their distance from people. You may, however, see signs of wildlife like footprints along the trail.

Crowders Mountain State Park Lake - A serene and picturesque outdoor scene with a calm body of water, likely a lake or pond, reflecting the clear blue sky. A wooden dock stretches from the sandy shore into the water, inviting quiet contemplation. Surrounding the water are leafless trees, indicating it may be late fall or winter. The absence of wildlife or people adds to the tranquility of the landscape. The visual contrast of the blue sky and the earthy tones of the natural surroundings creates a striking and peaceful image.
The lake at Crowders Mountain State Park offers a more relaxed afternoon than you’ll find on some of the more strenuous trails.

Around the park lake and streams you might see aquatic life like frogs and turtles. 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.

Along the Turn-back Trail leading to the lake at Crowders Mountain State Park -The photograph captures a serene woodland scene with tall, slender trees devoid of leaves, suggesting it might be early spring or late autumn. A small, meandering stream with clear water reflects the sunlight and casts dappled shadows on its sandy banks. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves, and the underbrush is sparse, allowing visibility through the woods. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The image conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
Some of your best chances to view wildlife at Crowders Mountain may be along the low lying trails near the lake. Here streams gently meander through the wilderness.

The park is also a great spot for bird watching. Over 160 species of birds including waterfowl, songbirds, wading birds, and raptors either live in the park or migrate through.

The view of the area around Crowders Mountain State Park - The image presents a breathtaking view from a high vantage point, overlooking a vast expanse of dense forest. The foreground features rugged, moss-covered rocks, while the endless sea of trees in varying shades of green stretches towards the horizon. Above, the sky is a clear, serene blue, suggesting a peaceful and untouched natural setting. This scene encapsulates the grandeur and tranquility of the wilderness, as seen from an elevated perspective that highlights the area’s geological and botanical diversity.
Crowders Mountain State Park may contain the highest peak in the area, but it’s certainly not the only monadnock in the range. Although the geology in the park marks a stark difference from the surrounding area.

The topography is much closer to what you’d find further west in the Appalachian Foothills. Rock outcrops and sheer stone cliffs are the trademarks of Chowders Mountain. The rugged terrain not only makes for challenging hikes, but the abundant wildflowers along the trails such as mountain laurel and rhododendron will compete with the scenic view for your attention.

Pinnacle Mountain at Crowders Mountain State Park - a rugged landscape featuring a rocky outcrop with various trees growing amidst the stones. The rocks appear weathered and moss-covered, suggesting an untamed natural environment. In the foreground, there’s a prominent tree with reddish leaves, contrasting with the greenery of coniferous trees around it. The clear blue sky occupies the upper half of the image, indicating fair weather conditions. This scene is likely to be interesting due to its depiction of resilient plant life thriving in a harsh rocky terrain and the beauty of natural wilderness.
If you push on past what looks like the end of the trail, you’ll be treated to some of the most impressive natural scenery in the Charlotte area.

Crowders Mountain Hiking Trails

Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain - A serene forest scene with a meandering dirt path flanked by tall, slender trees without leaves, suggesting a late autumn or winter setting. Sunlight filters through the branches, creating a pattern of light and shadow on the path. A simple wooden bench on the right side offers a place for rest and contemplation. The clear blue sky peeks through the tree canopy, indicating a calm, fair-weather day.
Don’t let the easy start to some of the trails fool you…they become much more challenging about half way in, but there are plenty of benches where you can catch your breath.

Crowders Mountain State Park boasts 11 hiking trails with difficulties ranging from easy to strenuous. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even trek the entire length of the park to find yourself in South Carolina’s Kings Mountain State Park . The park has three separate access points all connected by hiking trails within the park, but it’s best to decide what trails you want to hike before getting to the park.

Getting close to the top of the Pinnacle Trail - A rugged natural landscape featuring large, weathered rocks in shades of brown and gray. A pathway winds upwards between the rocks, leading to an area with lush greenery. Trees with vibrant green leaves are scattered atop the rock formation and along its sides, suggesting a forested or mountainous setting. Sunlight streams through the leaves, casting a play of light and shadows on the textured rock surface.
Most people climb to the top at the fist spot they see, but there is another way. If you follow the path at the base of this rock face to the left, you can find an easier way to the top.

Linwood Rd Access at Crowders Mountain (click for map)

Backside Trail -Begins near the parking lot – .8 mile one way strenuous hike to the top of Crowder’s Mountain. Along the way, you’ll pass the end of Crowders Trail which will take you south to the Pinnacle Trail and the Visitor Center at the Sparrow Springs access point. The Rocktop Trail begins at the end of the Backside Trail.

The final stretch to the highest point at Crowders Mountain State Park - A captivating trail through a rocky landscape under a clear blue sky. The path is edged by rugged rock formations with sharp edges, leading to a higher crest. Flanking the trail are green coniferous trees, providing a vivid contrast to the reddish-brown rocks and the azure sky overhead. This picturesque scene highlights the natural beauty of a mountainous terrain, beckoning adventurers to explore its serene yet challenging path.
The top of the mountain is like a different world. The trail to the top of The Pinnacle is pretty easy once you get to this point.

Rocktop Trail – Begins at the top of Crowders Mountain – 1.5 mile strenuous hike. Crosses several rock ledges and eventually ends at the Crowders Trail near Sparrow Springs rd. From there you can either follow Crowders Trail to the Sparrow Springs access point, take Crowders Trail North to get back to the Backside Trail and then the Linwood Rd Access, or turn around and follow Rocktop back the way you came.

The very top of the Pinnacle - A serene natural landscape featuring rugged terrain with large, moss-covered rocks and exposed tree roots. A variety of trees, including pines, dot the scene, standing tall against a clear blue sky. The ground-level perspective highlights the rough textures and the resilience of the trees thriving in this challenging environment.
Once you reach this point ta the top of the Pinnacle, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the surrounding area. On a clear day you can see Charlotte in the distance.

Tower Trail – Begins at the Linwood Rd Parking lot – 1.8 mile strenuous hike. The Tower Trail will take you to the base of the radio towers on Crowders Mountain. It ends on the Rocktop Trail, from there you can either turn north to the summit and pick up the Backside Trail back to the parking lot, or follow the Rocktop Trail south to the Crowders Trail, or turn around and go back the way you came.

Sparrow Springs Access at Crowders Mountain

The Pinnacle Trail starts to get hard - A cautionary outdoor scene with a rocky, uneven terrain and a steep, narrow dirt path leading up alongside a large rock formation. Leafless trees and a clear blue sky form the backdrop. A prominent yellow warning sign with black and red text stands out, cautioning: ‘WARNING SERIOUS INJURIES AND DEATHS HAVE OCCURRED BEYOND THIS POINT.’
As the most central parking area at Crowders Mountain, Sparrow Springs offers the access to some of the most popular trails inducing the Crowders Mountain Pinnacle Trail

Fern Trail and Lake Trail – Both easy .8 mile loop trails. You can access both trails from the parking area near the lake. The Lake Trail is a gravel path looping around the lake. The Fern Trail is a looping nature trail around the picnic areas.

Crowders Trail – Begins to the left of the Visitors Center – 2.8 mile moderate hike. Trail runs north towards the Linwood Rd Access. Shortly after crossing Sparrow Springs Rd, the Rocktop Trail will fork off to the right. Crowders Trail ends at the Backside Trail which you can follow to the summit of Crowders Mountain or continue on to the parking area.

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 King’s Pinnacle. About half way up the Turnback Trail splits off and runs back to the parking lot in front of the Visitors Center. Near the summit, the Ridgeline Trail splits off and runs south past the Boulders Access Point..

Kings Pinnacle at Crowders Mountain State Park - A breathtaking high vantage point view captures the diversity of nature with rugged brown rock formations in the foreground, rising sharply against a few resilient coniferous trees. The middle ground unfolds into a flat expanse, interspersed with patches of greenery and signs of development, including buildings and roads. The wide horizon stretches under a clear blue sky with minimal cloud cover, showcasing the contrast between the textured rocks and the open landscape.
The View from Kings Pinnacle on Crowders Mountain State Park Pinnacle Trail – hint that’s the I-85 Corridor Below.

Crowders Mountain Turnback Trail – Begins at the parking lot in front of the Visitors Center – 1.2 mile moderate hike. Spills into the Pinnacle Trail about half way to the summit and offers access to the Fern Trail as well.

Crowders Mountain Ridgeline Trail – Splits off the Pinnacle Trail near the summit – 6.2 mile moderate hike. Runs south past the Boulders Access point finally ending in South Carolina’s Kings Mountain Park.

Camping at Crowders Mountain State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park features a number of backcountry primitive camping sites. The sites are accessible along the Pentacle Trail and about a mile from the parking area. If you plan on camping, be sure to register at the visitor’s center and pack out everything you pack in.

Other Activities at Crowders Mountain State Park

If you’re not into mountain climbing or backcountry camping, you’ll still find enough to do for an entire day. There are plenty of picnic spots around the lake and fishing is allowed with a North Carolina fishing license.

Crowders Mountain State Park Today

Crowders Mountain View - An expansive view from atop a rocky outcrop overlooking a forested plain under a clear blue sky. Large, jagged rocks with sharp edges and varying shades of gray dominate the foreground, interspersed with green shrubs. The horizon stretches far into the distance, suggesting a significant elevation above the surrounding flat terrain covered in a mosaic of greenery and trees. The weather is fair, indicated by the bright blue sky
Boulders and rock outcroppings are common at Crowders Mountain State PArk

Crowders Mountain is a great spot for folks in the Charlotte area to get way from the city. It’s close by, so you can spend more time in nature and less time in your car. It does get busy, especially on the weekends. Park officials may have to close access to parts of the park when the parking lots are full. So you’re best bet is to arrive early. 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.

Most of the hikes are on the strenuous side, but if you’re looking for an easy stroll or a lazy day at the lake, you’ll find that here too. The trails are well marked and if you take a picture of the trail maps with you’re phone before you start, you’ll always be able to look up what trail you’re on. Lots of people take their dogs on the trails, but be sure to pack enough water for both of you.

Crowders Mountain showing its age - A rugged, weathered rock formation stands prominently against a clear blue sky. The formation is characterized by various holes and crevices, with patches of moss and lichen adding a touch of green to the otherwise gray stone. Sparse vegetation, including trees with green needles and thin branches, surrounds the rock structure. The play of sunlight and shadow accentuates the textured surface of the rock and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The rocky outcrops and rugged terrain of Crowders Mountain look like they belong far away in the mountains of North Carolina instead of just a stones throw from Charlotte.

Crowders Mountain Before it Became a State Park

Once marking the boundary between the hunting grounds of the Cherokee and the Catawba nations, the twin peaks of Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle still tower above the North Carolina Piedmont. While still an impressive sight, the peaks in Crowders Mountain State Park are just pale reflections of their former glory.

A challenging hiking trail meanders through a rugged landscape, marked by large, uneven rocks and boulders. Sparse greenery, including slender pine trees, lines the path, while a clear blue sky stretches overhead. The rocky terrain and natural obstacles suggest an adventurous journey for hikers.
As you climb higher up the Kings Pinnacle Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park, the terrain changes from the familiar rolling hills of the Piedmont to the rocky rough terrain visitors travel to experience.

Classified as monadnocks rather than true mountains, Crowders Mountain and the surrounding peaks are the remnants of an ancient mountain range once taller than the Alps. Over hundreds of millions of years the softer earth has been eroded away to expose the quartzite core. The strength of that quartzite core is what allowed Crowders Mountain still stand while others have fallen to the elements.

That quartz core also makes Crowders Mountain State Park a geological outlier in this region of the Piedmont. It’s not just the way the mountains rise up from their relatively flat surroundings.

A photograph showcasing a rugged, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky. The foreground features large, uneven boulders and rocks with patches of moss and lichen, leading to a pathway that seems to wind through the landscape. Leafless shrubs and green-leafed trees are scattered around the area. In the background, rolling hills fade into the distance under a vast sky with minimal cloud cover. The scene conveys a sense of serene wilderness and natural beauty, inviting exploration.
The hike to the top of Kings Pinnacle is worth it if for now other reasons than to enjoy the rock formations along the way.

Rock outcrops are rare this far east, but around these peaks, boulders are abundant. Geologically speaking, Crowders Mountain State Park is much more like the foothills region of the Appalachian Mountains than the rolling hills of the Piedmont.

Mining Concerns on Crowders Mountain

It’s this easy access to mineral deposits that almost cost the North Carolina Piedmont two of it’s most treasured natural sights. As far back as the 18th Century, some type of mining has been conducted on Crowders Mountain. There are even traces of gold mines dating to the North Carolina Gold Rush still in the State Park. Other mining operations on the mountain included iron, kyanite, and barite. But most of these were small scale operations that didn’t leave lasting scars on the landscape.

A sweeping view from an elevated vantage point captures a landscape transitioning from a dense collection of leafless trees in the foreground to large industrial buildings with white roofs in the middle ground. The background features rolling hills fading into a hazy horizon under a clear blue sky, illustrating the juxtaposition of natural and developed environments.
On one side of Crowders Mountain civilization creeps closer and closer…

But in 1970, interest in large scale mining of the mountain began. When residents saw what happened at nearby Henry’s Knob in York County, South Carolina and became alarmed.

Once a monadnock that rivaled Crowders Mountain, Henry’s Knob was the site of the largest deposit of kyanite in the world. Between 1947 and 1970, an open pit mining operation turned Henry’s Knob from a vibrant forested mountain into a lifeless hole in the ground.

A panoramic view from a high vantage point overlooking a vast forest with varying shades of green and brown. The horizon is dominated by a clear blue sky, and in the distance, a flat-topped hill rises above the tree line. The landscape is dotted with patches of yellow foliage, indicating a change in season or different types of vegetation. There are no visible structures or people, emphasizing the natural and untouched aspect of the scenery
… while on the other side of the mountain, nature reigns supreme.

The Gaston Conservation Society was formed to ensure that the same thing didn’t happen here. Through their tireless efforts, the state of North Carolina was persuaded to buy up the land on and around the mountain.

Crowders Mountain State Park was opened in 1973. Additional acreage including the Pinnacle was added in 1988 with a final 2000 avers connecting Crowders Mountain to Kings Mountain State Park being purchased in 2000.

A scenic view from a high vantage point overlooking a vast, flat landscape with dense greenery. The silhouette of a city skyline is visible on the horizon under a clear blue sky. The photograph is framed by pine branches at the upper edges, suggesting it was taken from within a forested area.
The Charlotte skyline as seen from Crowders Mountain State Park

What’s Nearby

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Kings Mountain State Park
7.7 mi
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Kings Mountain National Military Park
11.8 mi
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President James K. Polk Historic Site thumbnail
James Polk Birthplace
29.7mi
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Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
49 mi
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Alexander’s Ford
49 mi

Fast Facts About Crowders Mountain State Park

Type:State Park
Admission:Free
Location:522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Website:https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park/home
Phone704-853-5375
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Things to do: Hiking, Picnicking, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Camping

Map to Crowders Mountain State Park