Kings Mountain National Military Park is just a short drive from downtown Kings Mountain. Curious about our nation’s history? Want to spend some time outdoors getting close to Mother Nature? Then, this is your place. But, before you go, here are a few things you need to know.

1.It’s free to get in:

Unlike some National Parks, Kings Mountain is free. You can access the museum and the battlefield path daily. So, if you are low and funds and high on historical curiosity, come on out. The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. The visitor center is only open Wednesday through Sunday. Plan accordingly.

2.Battle of Kings Mountain:

The Battle of Kings Mountain is an extremely important battle that took place on October 7, 1780. This marked the first major American victory following the British invasion in Charleston that happened 6 months earlier. This pivotal battle destroyed a significant section of Lord Cornwallis’ army and half the British’s advance into North Carolina. Signage and hidden figures throughout the park help illustrate the battle that took place. For a more realistic version, plan to come to the annual reenactment.

3. Annual Battle Reenactment:

Every October 7th, the Park honors those who fought at Kings Mountain by holding a morning wreath laying ceremony at the US Monument and a program in the amphitheater at 3:00 p.m., the time the battle began. Throughout the year, the Kings Mountain Backcountry Militia, along with other revolutionary war demonstration groups, hold special events showcasing militia service, weapons, equipment, life skills such as leatherworking, blacksmithing and woodworking as it would have been in the 1700’s.

4. Museum:

Prefer an indoor historical experience? The museum and bookstore is one of the best parts of this National Park. There’s a 26 minute film as well as interactive museum exhibits. Walk through the massive trees that used to fill this area, follow the battle over a light-up map that shows how the Patriots won, and check out incredible artifacts from the battle itself. This museum is perfect for children of any age.

5. The Monument:

At the end of the paved hiking path you’ll find a U.S. Monument that towers over the battlefield. The monument is 83 feet high and is made of white granite from Mount Airy. On each side of the monument you’ll find plaques that tell the significance of the battle, a list of the American and British commanders and a list of the Americans killed in battle. The monument was erected in 1909 by the York County Daughters of the American Revolution.

6. President Herbert Hoover’s Visit:

In 1930, President Herbert Hoover visited the battlefield a year before it became a National Park. his visit was to mark the 150th anniversary of the battle. It’s said that there were around 75,000 people in attendance on that day. On your visit, there will be less people. But you will find a monument marking the site of the President’s visit. Here is a portion of his speech for that day:

"This is a place of inspiring memories. Here less than a thousand men, inspired by the urge of freedom, defeated a superior force entrenched in this strategic position. This small band of Patriots turned back a dangerous invasion well designed to separate and dismember the united Colonies. It was a little army and a little battle, but it was of mighty portent. History has done scant justice to its significance, which rightly should place it beside Lexington, Bunker Hill, Trenton and Yorktown."

— President Herbert Hoover’s opening remarks at the 150th celebration of the Battle of Kings Mountain, October 7, 1930.

7. Hike:

History aside, Kings Mountain Military Park is just a beautiful park and a great way to spend the day outdoors. To that end, the park offers an easy, 1.5-mile out-and-back, looped trail. In an area that is surrounded with historical relevance, this trail provides an insight to what everyday life was like on a Carolina upstate farmstead during the revolutionary era. Highlights are a two-story farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, carpenter/blacksmith shop, sorghum mill and cooker, corncrib, cotton gin and several other small dwellings. The best time to hike the trail is in the spring, which is when all the lush vegetation is in full bloom.

Together, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park offer 16 miles of hiking trails. There are three trails to choose from:

–Park Loop Trail: This 16-mile loop trail goes through both parks. Plan on spending a full day hiking this trail.

–Browns Mountain Trail: This 2.5-mile trail leads from the visitor center to the top of Browns Mountain. This is not a loop trail. You must backtrack to get back to the visitor center. A total hike of 5 miles.

–Clarks Creek (Lake Crawford): This 3-mile trail leads from the visitor center to Lake Crawford (located in the state park). This is not a loop trail. You must backtrack to get back to the visitor center. A total hike of 6 miles.

8. Downtown Kings Mountain is close by:

After a day making a little history of your own, head back into Kings Mountain. If your superpower is drinking wine, explore the local vineyards. If you believe a fat wallet is a sign of good luck, pay a visit to Two Kings Casino. Or, if your favorite meal is the next one, pull up a chair at one of the local, chef-owned restaurants for a truly Southern meal with a focus on freshness and seasonal ingredients. It’s all waiting just minutes from the park.