photo courtesy of Flickr User sleepingbearnps
A little less than an hour outside of Charlotte, North Carolina is a great location for a day trip. Kings Mountain State Park has wildlife and livestock. It has hiking trails and areas for resting. It even has areas for guests to ride their horses. Families can spend the entire day enjoying the wilderness and the Piedmont Farm. While the drive is not long enough to dictate staying over, there is the option of camping, if necessary.
Outdoor Activities
One of the best things to do at Kings Mountain State Park is go for a hike. There are several miles of trails for families, pets and even horses to enjoy. Cyclists can ride on any of the paved roads within the park. Along some of these trails are two lakes, each of which allows fishing, so bring fishing poles on this day trip. Canoes and kayaks are welcome, though motorized boats are not allowed. A volleyball court allows guests to play sports in groups.
The Piedmont Farm
The Piedmont Living History Farm located at Kings Mountain State Park is not a historical farm but rather a replica of what a farm would have been like in 19th century South Carolina. When open, guests are invited to guide themselves through the farm and see the cotton gin, barn, livestock and shops that make up the replica.
Park Facilities
One of the things that makes Kings Mountain State Park so ideal for a day trip is the facilities that make it easy for individuals and groups to spend a comfortable day there. A small grocer provides food and drinks for hikers, farm goers and campers on weekends during park season. Sheltered picnic areas protect groups from the elements while they enjoy lunches they either packed or picked up from the limited supplies at the store. There is a campground for day-trippers who decide to stay over and it does have accommodations for horses.
General Information
The park does take a small fee for visiting. The charge is $2 for adults and free $1.25 for senior citizens. Children 15 and younger and free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during daylight savings time. The store is open from March until November. Fishing requires a North Carolina state fishing license and adherence to the state’s fishing laws.
