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Crowders Mountain State Park in North Carolina covers 5,054 acres and offers hiking, camping, rock climbing, boating, and fishing. The area was once a site for gold mining, but it became a state park in 1974. The park includes mountains, valleys, hills, high cliffs, and a lake. Visitors can camp in various sites, and the park is home to over 160 species of birds and other wildlife.
Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Gaston County, North Carolina. Slightly west of the city of Charlotte, the park encompasses 5,054 acres (20.5 sq km) and includes mountains, sheer rock faces, and a lake. It is open all year except Christmas Day. The park has hiking trails and camping areas. There is a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast including rock climbing, boating and fishing.
Early in its history, the area was a border between the Catawba and Cherokee Indians and their hunting lands. Settlers began arriving, and the 1799 discovery of a large gold nugget sparked interest in the area as a location for possible gold deposits. Over the next few years, the land surrounding Crowders Mountain hosted a variety of gold mining operations. It wasn’t until excavation mining began in the 1970s that local residents organized to stop the destruction of the land.
The area officially became a state park in 1974. Crowders Mountain became part of the park in 1977, and in 1987, the park lines expanded to include Kings Pinnacle. Crowders Mountain State Park includes one of the highest points in Gaston County, offering vistas that range up to 25 miles (40 km). Besides the mountains, the landscape includes valleys, hills and high cliffs.
Crowders Mountain rises to 1,625 feet (495m) and is a Registered National Heritage Area. Nearby Kings Pinnacle is taller still, reaching a height of 1,705 feet (519 m). The park’s 150-foot (45.7 m) vertical cliffs provide opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering, although the park does not allow devices that could damage the rock walls. There are miles of marked trails along with several designated picnic areas with barbecue grills and tables.
Visitors to Crowders Mountain State Park can take advantage of the various campsites. Sites range from secluded and primitive campgrounds to family-friendly camping areas complete with grills, picnic tables, and tent pads. These larger sites also offer the convenience of pit toilets and potable water. Group camping accommodations are also available. There is a fee for camping and visitors must register and reserve their sites.
The park’s lake offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing, but swimming is not permitted. Along with recreational activities, Crowders Mountain State Park is home to a variety of wildlife. There are over 160 species of birds, including broad-winged hawks and great horned owls. Raccoons, opossums and gray foxes also inhabit the woods.
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