Just a short drive from Charlotte, North Carolina is a place I keep coming back to over and over again – Crowders Mountain State Park. I’m what you would call a casual hiker; someone who hikes often but doesn’t want to take on any gravity-defying or knee-busting trails. This is one of the reasons I find myself taking a trip to Crowders Mountain whenever I can, because it always promises breathtaking views, great hiking, and a peaceful connection to nature, making it a place where casual hikers and seasoned trailblazers can all meet their needs.

Before we lace up, let’s dig into a bit of the park’s history. Crowders Mountain is part of an ancient range of mountains that once towered over 20,000 feet high. Today, the peaks stand much shorter and technically aren’t even considered mountains. The park itself was established in 1973 to protect the area from mining and thank goodness for that, otherwise I would have to join a gym and nature smells way better than Frankie Free Weights. In 2000, another 2,000 acres were added to the park and officially connected through the Ridgeline Trail to Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina.

Crowders Mountain State Park has a variety of trails, each offering something a little different depending on your mood (or, in my case, how much energy I have that day). When connecting with other fellow "Crowderites" such as myself, we put together a list of our favorite trails that meet our specific needs. These are our top recommendations for all skills levels:

1. The Pinnacle Trail – For those who want to feel the burn

Jason: "If you’re in the mood for a leg-burning climb, the Pinnacle Trail is your go-to. It’s about 4 miles round-trip and leads you up to the park’s highest point, Kings Pinnacle, standing at 1,705 feet. I will say this: the last bit of the hike is no joke! But when you get to the top, the view is totally worth every drop of sweat."

2. Ridgeline Trail – For the long-distance hikers

Carla: "I’m a long-distance runner, so for me, the Ridgeline Trail, a 6.2-mile (one way) trail starting near the summit of Kings Pinnacle, following the ridgeline all the way to the South Carolina State line is the trail for me. The trail continues for 2.5 miles into South Carolina through Kings Mountain State Park and ends at the 16-mile Kings Mountain National Recreation Trail that goes through Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park."

3. Rocktop Trail – For the adrenaline junkies

Bart: "The Rocktop Trail, is about 3 miles round trip and connects to the Crowders Trail. But I’ll warn you–this one is rocky and rugged, with some scrambling required. It’s less traveled, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for solitude and don’t mind navigating the occasional boulder. It’s got that wild, untouched vibe that makes you feel like you’re a true explorer. I’ve done everything from base jumping to skydiving, so I love the rush of navigating the terrain."

4. Lake Trail – For the zen lovers

Amy: "Casual hiking is my jam. I want to decompress on my hikes and the Lake Trail is a nice, gentle 0.8-mile loop around the park’s 9-acre man-made lake. I would say it’s ideal for families or a lazy afternoon stroll. I love to hit this trail after a stressful week at work; it’s relaxing, and the reflections of the trees on the water make for some pretty zen moments."

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Now, if hiking isn’t your thing, or you’re up for an extra challenge, Crowders Mountain is also a great spot for rock climbing. The park’s rugged cliffs offer climbing routes that range from beginner to advanced, and you’ll often spot climbers testing their skills as you hike along the Rocktop or Pinnacle trails. If I wasn’t so afraid of heights, I’d probably give it a shot myself, but for now, I’m content watching them from a safe distance.

And let’s not forget about camping. Crowders Mountain offers both backcountry camping and group campsites. I’ve done a night out here once and trust me–falling asleep to the sound of wind rustling through the trees and waking up to the soft morning light filtering through the forest is nothing short of magical.

One of the things I love most about Crowders Mountain is how alive the place feels. On any given hike, you’re bound to encounter all sorts of critters. From deer that dart through the trees to birds that soar overhead (keep an eye out for hawks) there’s always something to see.

Pro Tips for Visiting Crowders Mountain

• Timing is everything: If you want the trails mostly to yourself, try to get here early in the morning or on a weekday. Weekends, especially in fall or spring, can get pretty crowded (no pun intended!).
• Bring plenty of water: Some of these hikes are steep, and there aren’t any water fountains on the trails. Trust me, you don’t want to run out halfway up the mountain!
• Prepare for the weather: The summit is often breezy, so pack a light jacket, even if it’s warm at the base. And in the summer, the humidity can make the climb feel even more intense.
• Leave no trace: This park is a treasure, and it’s up to all of us to keep it that way. Always pack out what you pack in and stay on the trails to protect the fragile ecosystem.

After a full day of exploring Crowders Mountain, I usually like to end my trip with a visit to Kings Mountain or Uptown Shelby. You can find so many food and drink options, and for me, nothing holds a candle to a post-hike beer. Some of my favorites are The 238 Cherokee Grill in Kings Mountain, that lets me stuff my face while watching a game on TV, or Newgrass Brewing Co. in Uptown Shelby that serves everything from elevated bar fare to Sunday brunch.

Crowders Mountain State Park is one of those places that just keeps calling you back. For me, it’s like an old friend, and honestly, after being on this planet for like a million years, who’s a better friend than a mountain?