We also recommend bringing your camera, as there are many gorgeous views to capture in the park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'taketothetrail_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_9',181,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); At the same time, we recommend distancing yourself from technology as much as possible when inside Crowders Mountain State Park. One of the main drawbacks of Crowders Mountain State Park is that swimming is not permitted in the man-made lake.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'taketothetrail_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Many people like to go on a long hike and then cool off afterwards through a swim. With the arrival of COVID-19, the plans of many runners were thwarted and they had to What Is Backpacking? We love that rockhounders can plan a trip to Charlotte and experience all of these different places and excursions without traveling too far outside of the city. One of my friends heard about some cave near Crowders Mountain and was wondering if it was explorable. Crowders is located in Kings Mountain, NC just outside of Charlotte. As I started up the trail, I glanced in the little mirror thats attached to the strap, and caught Baby Zs eye. 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! Renting equipment from the Crabtree Emerald Mine costs $25 with a $100 deposit and $75 refunded after equipment is returned to the mine. With such a close proximity to Charlotte, it is a fantastic place to just get out and go for a couple of hours. We love that this area is the only emerald mine open for prospecting. You can access both trails from the parking area near the lake. Good trail shoes and a walking stick are recommended. This could mean missed photography opportunities as well as having to explore the area during more crowded times. During the summer, the sunrise is well before 7am. 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. Starting at the visitor center, there are multiple trails you can take in the area. However, Crowders Mountain State Park is open all year, though its main office is closed on state holidays. Crowders Mountain is a great spot for folks in the Charlotte area to get way from the city. We apologize for the missing information on some of our website pages. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat. Crosses several rock ledges and eventually ends at the Crowders Trail near Sparrow Springs rd. There is an underground gold mine that is open for self-guided tours, as well as opportunities for visitors to pan their own gold and other minerals. People of all ages can come and enjoy the Chutes! Parking: There are 500 parking spaces located throughout the state park. Kings Mountain State Park. $10 Million Vacation Village with 35 Brick-and-Wood Cottages Planned Near Crowders Mountain, Rendering courtesy of Greater Gaston Development Corporation. This is the only place in the world where rockhounders can find hiddenite, which is the fourth rarest gemstone in the world. Kings Mountain, NC 28086, 108 Vandyke Road What are Some Tips for Visiting Crowders Mountain. 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. Basically, if you try to visit the park on a nice weekend, if you arrive after around 10am you should plan for the chance that a ranger will tell you the parking is full and then send you away. If you stay on 74 business there is a food lion, hardees, mcdonalds, further down are some sub shops and a pizza hut. Friendly but not encroaching. Crowders Mountain State Park would not be ideal for this kind of activity. The Crowders Mountain Trail is 2.5 miles through the popular Crowders Mountain State Park. Crowders is, well, crowded. Many visitors to Crowders Mountain State Park want to know what time the area opens and closes, as this information allows them to plan their visit more accordingly. Privacy Policy. This park is known best for The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. Additionally, you can never over-pack water. Runs south past the Boulders Access point finally ending in South Carolinas Kings Mountain Park. Toddlers on the Trail: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back. P.S. While it is a great place for rockhounders, it is also a great site for history buffs as well. Visit the Crowders Mountain State Park WEBSITE for information concerning additional trails, activities and rules. Season Dates We're excited for this new Chutes season to get underway and we would love for you to join us this winter! Like us on Facebook for more pictures and updates. Baby Z loved the new, (higher) vantage point, and I loved being able to see my feet (as opposed to wearing baby on the front, and backpack on the back.) Its this easy access to mineral deposits that almost cost the North Carolina Piedmont two of its most treasured natural sights. Ive never camped at Crowders so if youre asking about that I cant comment. Nowadays, between 300,o00 and 400,000 people visit every . Visitors that want to experience the sunrise from Crowders Mountain would not be able to due to the opening time of 7am. Visitation soared at state parks all across North Carolina during 2021 and nowhere was that trend more evident than at Crowders Mountain. Gastonia, NC 28052 | Crowders Springs: 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | (704) 915-1096 | admin@crowderscamps.com, Mailing Address: PO Box 1, Lowell NC 28096. I have been visiting Crowders for over 20 years. Crowders Springs is located at 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain NC, 28086. The Crowder's Trail is a 2.8-mile, moderate trail that winds along the base of Crowder's Mountain from the visitor's center to the Backside Trail at the Linwood Road Access. We also love this experience for inexperienced rockhounders, and those with young families who have children with an interest in rocks, minerals and crystals. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Crowders Mountain State Park is a 5,126-acre North Carolina state park in Gaston County. Friends Of Crowders Mountain. Stopped here for an afternoon hike while traveling and enjoyed the park. Click Here for everything you need to know to plan your visit to Crowders Mountain State Park in North Carolina. While 9pm is relatively generous, many people still want to stay at the park later than 9pm during the summer. All rights reserved. CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 522 Park Office Lane Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 Phone: 704-853-5375 Reservations: 877-722-6762 Email: Raptors soar gracefully in the wind; vegetation reaches to the sky; sheer vertical cliffs drop 150 feet. Alcohol prohibited except by Special Activity Permit. 522 Park Office Lane 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. The area was designated a North Carolina State Park in 1974 due to its diversity of wildlife, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Crowders Mountain State Park is enjoyed by thousands every year. Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Crowders mountain offers a bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts. We love that this is a way for rockhounders to dig in an area that they know they will find some minerals, instead of having to venture into areas that might not have anything. For details on our visit check out our Crowders Mountain State Park Field Report. These purposes are exclusively nonprofit, charitable, educational, and environmental. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. The sheer cliff structures make it a desirable destination for rock climbing and bouldering. Between 1947 and 1970, the open pit mining operation turned Henrys Knob from a vibrant forested mountain into a lifeless hole in the ground. The park should attract both daring explorers and traditional tourists, as this beauty of the region will be apparent to anyone that steps inside the park. 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. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. The trails are natural but well defined. 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. Next time Im out there I think it will go down fairly easily. Crowders Mountain features sheer vertical cliffs, has an elevation of 1,625 feet, and is a registered natural heritage area. In the case of inclement weather, you will receive an email with instructions by 2:00pm on the day of your session notifying you of any cancellations, as well as how to transfer your tickets to one of our scheduled rain dates. If you need specific information about parks that you are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks@ncparks.gov for assistance. But in 1970, interest in large scale mining of the mountain began. Recently though the way that the rangers are managing access/parking is disgraceful. Kings Mountain, NC 28086, An official website of the State of North Carolina. We think dogs can disrupt the quiet of the wilderness, chase wildlife, and introduce diseases into the native populations. It is near Kings Mountain, North Carolina and on the outskirts of Gastonia, North Carolina, it includes the peaks of Crowder's Mountain and The Pinnacle. Over hundreds of millions of years the softer earth has been eroded away to expose the quartzite core. Trail runs north towards the Linwood Rd Access. The course rating is 71. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. |RSS|Comments RSS|Partnership Opportunities, Site designed and built by Lineberry Design, Not all who wander are lost. JRR TOLKIEN, "Not all who wander are lost" JRR Tolkien. This guided experience allows the most passionate rockhounders the chance to dig their own holes and search for all of the minerals that this area can provide. Parking is paved and ample enough. My husband is 53 and Im 48, we are in great shape. Crowders Mountain State Park - The Pinnacle Trail In partnership with Kings Mountain, NC Length: 4.00 mi. The views weren't as great as described. Crowders Mountain State Park, NC 73 Ratings See or Upload Photos PRIMITIVE BACKPACK CAMPING, 1 MILE HIKE TO CAMPSITES, NO BATHHOUSE FACILITIES, NO ELECTRIC PERMITTED IN THE PARK. My, how time flies. Shortly after crossing Sparrow Springs Rd, the Rocktop Trail will fork off to the right. Additionally, some visitors are sensitive to dogs. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A worthwhile stop for whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. The sites are accessible along the Pentacle Trail and about a mile from the parking area. WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN? The Lake Trail is a gravel path looping around the lake. In 2016, 797,553 people visited the park, more than 100,000 over the previous year's total. Check the map for general trail details. The mountain rises to 1,625 feet (495 m) above sea level. Lastly, we also recommend leaving your dog at home even though leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. This beautiful State Park is not far from the casino, nor from the Comfort Inn where we stayed. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. But most of these were small scale operations. Our agenda for the day was pretty open we mainly just wanted to enjoy a beautiful fall day out on the rock as a family. Photos Maps Search Key Lock map REF:Analytical Data:: NITZE, 1896 This entails bringing extra layers of clothing, snow shoes, walking sticks and of course an adventurous spirit. Rushmore), and endured more than its fair share of abuse from sun, wind, rain, and a growing toddler. In fact, it's not too far from South Carolina. There are plenty of picnic spots around the lake and fishing is allowed with a North Carolina fishing license. The trail from the Sparrow Springs entrance to the top of the mountain is a moderate hike in my opinion and well worth the time. Crowders Mountain is near the North Carolina - South Carolina border in Gastonia, just west of Charlotte, NC. VIDEO TOUR This peculiar monadnock is thought to have originated hundreds of millions of years ago, though its exact evolution is still shrouded in mystery.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'taketothetrail_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taketothetrail_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Many visitors love to reflect on how nature changes over time when visiting this park. 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. Crowders Mountain State Park State North Carolina Country United States Phone Number (704) 853-5375 Directions View on Google Maps Official Website View Website Coordinates 35.213 N, 81.294 W Unknown price Tent Only: 11 Sites (Up to 6 people per site) Unknown price Cabin & Lodging: 9 Sites (Up to 15 people per site) Campers also viewed On clear days, many visitors can even see skyscrapers from downtown Charlotte, the largest city in the North Carolina. The Tower Trail will take you to the base of the radio towers on Crowders Mountain. No restrooms past the trailhead. Nonetheless, at this point, one would want to get away from the looks theyd get from the tattered areas of the bag, & would want a new backpack. Channel 9s Gaston County reporter Ken Lemon learned the trail . Over 160 species of birds including waterfowl, songbirds, wading birds, and raptors either live in the park or migrate through. $20 for adults ages 12 and over, $10 for youth 4 to 11, and free for children 3 and under. In many cases you wont even get to see or talk to a ranger as they like to just close the gates to the parking lot at the street which is now lined with signs that read something to the effect of Park full, no stopping, come back later. There are several options in Kings Mountain NC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. From gifts for relatives to keepsakes, this is perfect for visitors who want to wear their experience. Answer To Help You Out. Eleven trails, ranging from gentle jaunts to challenging hikes wind their way through the park and link two mountains, the Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. That wasnt the face I remembered seeing in that mirror! Stephanie Stone Anderson fell about 150 feet from a cliff inside Crowders Mountain State Park during a . 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. Perhaps the main benefit of Crowders Mountain is the views it offers. 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. Located in Gaston County,North Carolina,U.S. Charlotte hikers will soon have a new overnight option when they head to Crowders Mountain State Park. Hi, I had a question on PInnacle's Trail. The State Park boasts 11 trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Im not sure I can answer your question. Crowders Mountain State Park Overview About a half hour west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park offers hikes to cliffsides that are home to many rockhounding vistas. Park officials may have to close access to parts of the park when the parking lots are full. And with prices ranging from $62 per night to $175 per night, it's easy to find lodging or campsites near Crowders Mountain State Park that suits your budget . Crowders Mountain became a state park in the early 1970's. Recent '2000 land acquisitions now link it with nearby Kings Mountain. GASTONIA, N.C. This week, the Gastonia City Council unanimously voted to rezone an area of Crowders Mountain to pave the way for a new development to . Crowders Springs is our day camp location located just across the street from Crowders Ridge. There are a few different trails so you can pick one that best fits the type of hike you want. We got a fairly late start, so Steve and our friend Chris hiked ahead while me andthe kiddos hiked at 4 year old pace. " 2 Hour Hike on Pinnacle Trail " Jul 2021 Backpacks.global has all the reviews and more regarding them. Rated 3.9 / 5. What restaurants are near Crowders Mountain State Park? Head Coach : Info Not Available . 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}. Voted the best gem mine and mining experience in North Carolina, the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is also the number 22 thing to do on TripAdvisor in the United States. 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Has all the reviews and more regarding them outside of Charlotte, Length. Are lost '' jrr TOLKIEN, `` not all who wander are lost '' TOLKIEN! You are unable to find online, please email us at state.parks @ ncparks.gov for.! Asking about that I cant comment a bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts its most natural...