The moderately difficult, 16-mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail loop offers some gorgeous hiking through rolling hills and granite outcroppings not far from Charlotte. The site of a famous Revolutionary War battle, Kings Mountain National Military Park and the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park are popular destinations. The parks sit in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but they seem somewhat out-of-place with the area’s other gently rolling terrain. Small mountains called monadnocks jut above the surrounding flatland and offer enjoyable views. The trail itself winds through hardwood forest and along a stream toward the Kings Mountain Battlefield, passing a fire tower and horse trail on two occasions. The Ridgeline Trail also links up with the Kings Mountain NRT.

Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today!

From Exit 82 on I-77 north of Rock Hill: Drive west on SC 161 to York and turn right (north) onto US 321/SC 161. Stay on SC 161 when it forks to the left and continue to the junction with York County S-46­705 (Park Road). Enter the park and drive to the campground and picnic area.

From Spartanburg: Drive northeast on I-85 to Exit 8 in North Carolina, and turn right onto SC 161 back into South Carolina. The park entrance is approximately five miles on the right. Enter the park and drive to the campground and picnic area.