In comparison to the western side of the state, the Piedmont in North Carolina isn’t widely recognized for its’ mountain peaks, but what remains of part of the ancient Appalachian chain of mountains extends almost all of the way down to Charlotte. It’s a little-recognized fact, especially when we’re all so inspired by the higher peaks found to the west. But don’t discount the fun found at Crowders Mountain State Park or the ascent to the park’s mountain summits. If you’re looking for a trail in North Carolina that will leave you in awe, you’ll find it here! And since the highest peak is only 1,625 feet above sea level, you likely won’t be gasping for air by the time you hit the summit, either.

Once a more connected part of the Appalachians, Crowders Mountain today is a monadnock, a mountain that abruptly arises all alone from the terrain below.
Wikipedia/Heisenburg CA
Crowders Mountain State Park features trails to both peaks, the Crowders Mountain peak (on the right with the towers), and to the Pinnacle on the left with the 150-foot rock cliff.
The Pinnacle Trail is 2.1 miles each way and climbs 800 feet to the top of Pinnacle.
AllTrails/Jaime Wallace
This is one where you'll want to be sure to have proper foot attire, plenty of water, and even hiking sticks, if you have them.
Climbing 800 vertical feet in just two miles earns this trail a "moderately difficult" rating from All Trails.
AllTrails/Haylie Dixon

Related Stories

With Lakeviews And A Covered Bridge, The Little-Known Fonta Flora Trail In North Carolina Is Unexpectedly Magical

With Lakeviews And A Covered Bridge, The Little-Known Fonta Flora Trail In North Carolina Is Unexpectedly Magical

 Take A Paved Loop Trail Around This North Carolina Museum Park For A Peaceful Adventure

Take A Paved Loop Trail Around This North Carolina Museum Park For A Peaceful Adventure

 The Hike In North Carolina That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls

The Hike In North Carolina That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls
But there are some spots where it levels off for a moment or two. Most people can finish this hike in well under four hours, out and back.
Google/Sam King
When you finish you'll realize you really don't have to drive all the way over to the Blue Ridge Parkway or any other point in the far western part of the state for a good workout on a hike.
Google/Xiomara Ramirez
And the view from the summit? It may not feature layers and layers of mountains in the scenery, but it's still exquisite.
AllTrails/Leon Cecola
Especially at sunrise, when you often find yourself well above the clouds!
AllTrails/Sonny Tosco
Please be aware that the terrain at the top of the Pinnacle Trail is very rugged. Please heed warning signs and always stay on the trail.

Crowders Mountain State Park, in case you’re not sure where it is in relation to where you are in the state, is about 25 miles west of Charlotte, just outside of Gastonia. Have you hiked this trail in North Carolina? Ever reach the summit at sunrise? What a view!

Note: to reach the summit at sunrise, you’ll need to camp overnight in the park’s campground. Day-use gates don’t open until 8 a.m. Other popular activities at Crowders Mountain State Park are paddling and fishing on the park’s lake, orienteering, rock climbing, bouldering, picnicking, and of course, hiking and camping.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA