Veterans Day Hike: Crowders Mountain

About this event

Have Veterans Day off? Join us for a midweek hike at Crowders Mountain State Park! We'll tackle the Pinnacle Trail and Turnback Trail, taking in beautiful fall scenery and panoramic views from King's Pinnacle.

Schedule / Itinerary

• 9:00 AM: Meet at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitor Center parking lot.

• ~9:15 AM: Begin hiking the Pinnacle Trail toward King's Pinnacle.

-~ 10:15–10:30 AM: Reach the summit! Enjoy the views, take pictures, and catch our breath.

• ~10:30 AM: Begin our return via the Pinnacle Trail and Turnback Trail connection.

-~ 11:30 AM–12:00 PM: Finish the hike.

Post-Hike: Optional group lunch, botanical gardens, or waterfront outing. See suggestions below!

Times are estimates and may vary depending on group pace and trail conditions.

Hike Info

• Distance: Approximately 4 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Terrain: Natural surface, rocky sections, and some steep climbs

• Highlights: Panoramic views from King's Pinnacle (elevation 1,705 feet) and beautiful fall scenery.

We'll hike up the Pinnacle Trail to the summit, then use the Turnback Trail connection on our return to create a loop.

This is a moderately challenging hike, so some previous hiking experience and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

Location & Parking

• Location: Crowders Mountain State Park – Sparrow Springs Access

• Address: 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

• Parking: Free parking at the Visitor Center.

• Starting Point: Visitor Center parking lot.

Please arrive a few minutes early so we can get everyone together and start promptly.

What to Bring

• Water.

• Snacks: Bring something for the summit or a quick energy boost.

• Clothing: Dress in layers. November mornings can be chilly, especially at the summit.

• Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Some sections can be rocky.

• Extras: Sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and a camera for those summit views!

Pet Information Dogs are welcome on the trails but must remain on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet. Please bring water for your four-legged hiking buddies and remember waste bags.

Note: Dogs are not permitted inside the buildings at the park.

Pace & Fun We'll maintain a comfortable, conversational group pace, with breaks along the way and time to enjoy the summit. This isn't a race!

The goal is to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and have a fun Veterans Day adventure together.

Carpool & Communication

• Carpooling: Feel free to coordinate rides and meeting locations in the Meetup chat. Parking is free, but carpooling is always encouraged!

• Communication: Message me if you have any questions or aren't able to access the group chat.

Optional Post-Hike Activities

For anyone interested in extending the outing, here are a few ideas. We can coordinate on the hike and decide what people are interested in!

• Lunch in Downtown Kings Mountain

• 133 West: Casual bistro atmosphere with burgers, sandwiches, and other lunch options.

• The Social House by Royal T: Coffee and a casual stop.

• The Sweet Station: Ice cream, baked treats, and something sweet after the hike.

• Explore Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Beautiful botanical gardens, walking paths, and a conservatory in Belmont. A relaxing way to spend the afternoon surrounded by nature. Admission required for the formal Gardens.

• Waterfront Lunch at Lake Wylie

• Papa Doc's Shore Club: Waterfront restaurant with outdoor deck seating, seafood, burgers, and a fun lake atmosphere.

All post-hike activities are completely optional.

Hope to see everyone on the trails!

From Food, Music, Fun and Friends (FMFF)