Veterans Day Hike: Crowders Mountain

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…