Escape It All At This Mountainous North Carolina State Park With Secluded Campsites

When the stresses of modern life get too overwhelming, it's time to grab your backpack and decompress in a serene natural setting. While you can camp by the beach at this underrated state park in North Carolina, if you're after solitude and panoramic views of the surrounding Piedmont, Crowders Mountain State Park is the best choice.

Situated only 15 minutes from Gastonia and 40 minutes from Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park gives urban dwellers the chance to hike, rock climb, camp, kayak, go birding, and more. However, what makes this park unique is its geology. With rugged outcroppings and pinnacles reaching 1,625 feet, the park has more in common with the Appalachian Mountains than anything in "The Tar Heel State." Spread over 5,300 acres, this craggy terrain makes for challenging (in the best way) hiking trails with shady hardwoods and rewarding views — in fact, you can see the Charlotte skyline from The Pinnacle summit. 

The park has three access points: Boulders Access, Linwood Road Access, and Sparrow Springs Access. While Sparrow Springs is home to the visitors' center, an amphitheater, and picnic shelters, Boulders Access and Linwood Road Access have minimal amenities, serving primarily as trailheads. 

Within the park, the 11 trails are well-maintained and hiking-only, so you don't have to worry about spooking a horse or a mountain biker. For views of Charlotte's skyline from Crowders Mountain, take the short but strenuous Backside Trail from Linwood Access. Although it's only 0.8 miles one-way, this trail boasts over 230 steps that will have your legs shaking. If you're looking for a longer hike, try the Ridgeline Trail, a moderate one-way path that starts at Boulders Access and ends with expansive views of forest thickets and Charlotte in the distance at The Pinnacle.

For a deep escape into nature, hike to primitive campsites (closed in winter) so secluded it's likely you'll be the only visitor. Located about 1 mile from the Sparrow Springs Visitor's Center, there are 10 family backpacking campsites with vaulted toilets, drinking water, a picnic table, a grill, and two camp pads. There are also nine group primitive campsites for 16 to 26 guests and two hammock-only sites. Remember, you must hike out your trash and reserve all sites through the North Carolina State Parks website. 

Take a kayak or canoe out on the 7-acre lake where you won't be disturbed by gas-powered crafts, or enjoy bouldering on the cliff face. With over 160 species of birds, the park is also an ideal spot for birding, especially birds of prey enthusiasts. Other popular activities include picnicking, visiting the nature center, and pier fishing.

The best time to visit the park is during the fall, when the leaves create a sunset of colors and the humidity is low. However, spring is peak birdwatching season. Migratory songbirds add their melodies to the woods, and lucky birders might spot over 20 species of warblers. If you're visiting the park on the weekend, especially via Sparrow Springs Access, we recommend arriving early to beat the crowds or to secure a picnic table. 

If you are a novice hiker or traveling with children, ask the rangers about a suitable trail for your abilities and time allotment. Many popular trails have stretches of steep, rugged terrain that are difficult to navigate without proper footwear or a certain level of fitness. During the humid summer months, it can feel like the water evaporates right out of you. We recommend packing at least 2 liters of water (per person) depending on the trail and reviewing these hiking safety tips everyone should know. 

Exploring the park as a solo adventure is a great way to disconnect; however, it can feel daunting for first-timers. Although the best tips to help you feel safer while hiking alone vary from park to park, we recommend sticking to popular trails like the Crowders Trail or the Lake Trail.