King Mountain National Recreation Trail Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views

This trail winds through both the Kings Mountain National Military Park as well as South Carolina's Kings Mountain State Park. Here directions are provided for joining the trail from the State Park's Kings Mountain Campground, but you can also start from the visitors center of Kings Mountain National Military Park.

There are several locations for camping along the loop. One is at the marked start of this trail in the state park. However, the linked map of the Federal park indicates the location of three other campgrounds.

From Kings Mountain Campground in Kings Mountain State Park, head west where the trail splits. Turn left to head south on the trail to start. The trail winds through the woods and intersects the Ridgeline Trail which connects Kings Mountain and Crowder Mountain parks.

As the trail continues, you intersect several equestrian trails. About halfway through the loop, there is a clearly marked fork that allows you to run to the Peak of Browns Mountain. This is a short out-and-back spur that provides good views. Shortly after this, the trail becomes more heavily traveled and easier. The higher traffic is found in the vicinity of the visitor center. The final segment follows the rolling valleys back to the state park.

Much of the trail follows the rivers and has relatively gentle climbs, but there are a few sustained climbs with moderate incline. The trail is very well marked with blue blazes—these include blue-cyan paint, blue diamonds and round blue markers with an icon of a hiker.

The trail is relatively narrow, and some roots can become wet after rain. The trail also gets covered in leaves during the autumn which can make the trail slippery. The trail crosses creeks at numerous points. Many of these crossing have bridges, but some require stepping across rocks.

Good resources include:
nps.gov/kimo/index.htm
carolinathreadtrailmap.org/…
southcarolinaparks.com/king…

Kings Mountain National Military Park was established to commemorate the Battle of Kings Mountain, which was fought October 7, 1780. For more information on the battle and the Revolutionary War, check out the Kings Mountain Visitors Center and the Kings Mountain Battlefield Loop.