Crowder's Mountain State Park is the most popular destination for Charlotte City Dwellers that are looking for a quick escape to the mountains. It is not as high as the mountains 2 hours to the west (only 1,625 feet in elevation), but at times it has many things an outdoor enthusiast can enjoy. Despite its low altitude it does have a lot of elevation gain and the hike to the top can be as strenuous as you would like to make it. This large elevation gain makes it a good training place for hikers that are preparing for a trip to the Smokies or out west.
The park includes 5126 acres and there are two main access areas. One is near the visitors center and the other is called the Linwood Access area. There are signs to both access areas from I-85 (Directions can be found from the websites at the bottom of this article). The park also includes three types of camping (RV, Car Camping, and Primitive Camping). The two primitive camping areas include 16 back-country camping sites. These sites are a great place for a beginner backpacking trip. They are also a popular place for scout troops doing shakedown trips in preparation for trips to other places.
Some names of the trails include the Backside, Crowder's, Fern, Lake, Pinnacle, Ridgeline, Rocktop, Tower and Turnback. My personal favorites are Pinnacle, Crowder's and Fern. The most beautiful parts of this park are the rock outcroppings at the top, the falcon habitat and the nearly twenty mile views from the top. Because of the low elevation the leaves tend to change at different times than mountains at higher elevations. This makes Crowder's Mountain State Park best to visit early in the spring and late in the fall.
My favorite way to enjoy this park is to rent a canoe and have a picnic out on the lake. They rent canoes and provide everything you need. My wife and I have used this part of the facility numerous times. I like to enjoy the park this way most because you can take just about anyone out on the lake. It is especially nice for people that are not in great physical shape. The hike to the best views can be very strenuous and could discourage someone from making a return trip to this park. When people first enjoy the park via canoe they are more likely to enjoy it and return again.
Some names of the trails include the Backside, Crowder's, Fern, Lake, Pinnacle, Ridgeline, Rocktop, Tower and Turnback. My personal favorites are Pinnacle, Crowder's and Fern. The most beautiful parts of this park are the rock outcroppings at the top, the falcon habitat and the nearly twenty mile views from the top. Because of the low elevation the leaves tend to change at different times than mountains at higher elevations. This makes Crowder's Mountain State Park best to visit early in the spring and late in the fall. 
My favorite way to enjoy this park is to rent a canoe and have a picnic out on the lake. They rent canoes and provide everything you need. My wife and I have used this part of the facility numerous times. I like to enjoy the park this way most because you can take just about anyone out on the lake. It is especially nice for people that are not in great physical shape. The hike to the best views can be very strenuous and could discourage someone from making a return trip to this park. When people first enjoy the park via canoe they are more likely to enjoy it and return again. 
Crowder's Mountain State Park is also a great place to experience a wide variety of challenging rock climbing routes. They have a variety of terrain that is great for top rope, sport and traditional rock climbing. If you are looking for a group to lead you on your first outdoor climbing outing, Inner Peaks is a local climbing wall that leads trips to this area. Also the UNC Charlotte Venture Club as well as Charlotte Outdoor Adventure Club lead trips for the public from time to time. If you are not an experienced climber than always go with someone who is or a licensed guide until you can safely climb on your own. 
Don't forget to check out the facebook page for this blog to see additional pictures of the places included in this blog:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Ridge-Bandit/190721607643691
Below are many websites that are great resources for information about Crowder's Mountain State Park. The next time you are looking for a hike remember to keep Crowders Mountain State Park in mind.
Below are many websites that are great resources for information about Crowder's Mountain State Park. The next time you are looking for a hike remember to keep Crowders Mountain State Park in mind.
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