Crowders Mountain State Park

Great time hiking up Crowders Mountain with my son. We took the Sparrow Springs Access to the Visitors Center and then took the Pinnacle Trail to get up the mountain. It was a bit challenging but not too bad for my 9yo. I saw people of all ages on the Pinnacle Trail so anybody can climb the mountain! Tip: we spent a good amount of time walking across the very top of the mountain, every time you think you've reached the tip top there is another ridge that is just a little bit higher - keep climbing, the views are worth it!

Our first time visiting Crowders Mountain and climbing up to Kings Peak was magical. When I say magical, I'm not speaking of the actual hike to the top which was grueling if you haven't done it before, I mean the view from the summit! The hike to the top was only about an hour, though getting there was not the easiest feat. We found many mushrooms as we did a foray before we went on the hike, we also found many more edible, but check with an expert before consuming as we climbed to the top of the peak. Once we got to the summit.. WOW. It is the tallest point in all of Gaston County and the views were nothing less then spectacular! You could spend a few hours up there alone just checking out the views to Spencer Mountain, and surrounding areas including a very distant skyline of Charlotte. One of the most beautiful view points we have seen in the southern states!!! So we'll worth it, and can't wait to go back for the 6 mile hike which they say takes about 4 hours round-trip.

There are 2 trails. One is 2 hours in both ways and another is 3 hours in both ways. We chose 2 hour trip. It's a nice walk, there were 2 benches if you want to relax. The view is amazing on the top of the trail. It's nice to be there close to sunset. You can take a dog with you but you should have a leash. Next time I want to explore the second trail.

We love hiking here. It is close by, has gorgeous views, and cute wildlife. The bathrooms are usually clean. You can take your family or pets. It's up to you whether you would like to exert yourself on a steep hike to the top or take a casual stroll around the pond. Either way you have plenty of shade trees and nice views along the way.

Beautiful park, very well maintained. The primitive campsites have tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is also a supply of fire wood, fresh clean water access and an outhouse. The trails are well marked. The views are spectacular!

Uphill climb! We did the 4 mile pinnacle trail. It was definitely challenging and we are both in decent shape. Take a lot of water and a snack protein bars. We saw many dogs on the trail, but this is pretty challenging so please keep that in mind for your pups! The trail is not flat so strollers will not go up easily. Beautiful views at the top! There are clean restrooms at the beginning and plenty of parking.

Quick day trip from the city to get away!! 40 minute drive from Charlotte, we were away from the hustle of the city lickity split. Sprawling trails from easy to whoa. Absolutely stunning views, camping, hiking, lake, you name it. Very well kept trails. Clean, cleared but not so much as to feel like a city park. 10/10 recommend for a quick trip.

The view is worth the trek! If your wanting a smoother experience, when you approach the split in the path, stay to the left. The right path will take you more on an intense incline and the stairs are crucial on the knees and ankles lol! Still overall worth it, at the top, there’s many edges to the mountain. There’s location markers along the trail too. Caution is always better than an accident, stay safe!

Crowders was a great beginners trail we had all ages with us the youngest was my son an 8 year old and the oldest we’re my in laws in their 60’s take water, light snacks like peanuts or jerkie and a first aid kit!!! We went in August and although the trees provide so much beautiful shade it was warm, it’s a great trail steep and coming down gets tricky because your tired but now you have to control yourself to not just tumble down! Before you reach the top it becomes a jagged steep almost 90 climb to the most breathe taken views so it’s with it! Great work out!

Beautiful area! We were very impressed with this park. There are lots of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. We went up to the Pinnacle. I couldn't go all the way to the top but my son and husband did. Gorgeous views all the way up!