It couldn’t have been a lovelier spring day for my sister and me to meet for a picnic at Kings Mountain State Park located near Blacksburg, SC.  Less than an hour’s country drive through upstate SC from Waxhaw.  Nearby Crowders Mountain may be better known, but this park may be one of those roads less traveled.  We arrived on a breezy day with only a few cars in the parking lot.  After virtual hugs, we had a short walk to the picnic area overlooking Lake Crawford, where we enjoyed a favorite Ingles Chicken Salad and Strawberries! Huck really wanted to chase the Canadian Geese so he had a few strawberries too.   Then we were off to explore the waterfall at the dam, the creek below, and a nice little hike through the old-growth Piedmont Forest over to the 1800’s Piedmont representation of a living history Yeoman Farm.  Yes, you will need to look this one up! The stately shagbark oaks towered over the trails. These oaks are easily identified without leaves due to the large peeling bark as it matures. Yes, I am a bit of woodsy nerd, but this day the spring was in the air, the trees were a lush green and the sounds of birds all around.  We ran into only a few other humans & pups while on our exploration. You see exploring the woods as a kid was something my sister and I both loved to do, whether by horseback or foot with our dogs following back in Eastern NC.

Now back to why you may wish to visit KMSP.  If you go by motorcycle be sure to stop into the Bear’s Den for a cool beverage & blues then into the park. KMSP, connects to Kings Mountain Military Park as well, keep riding and you will head to nearby King’s Creek for a pit stop.  (Be sure to send me a photo of you on the swings!) So back to the park, lots of options for all outdoor skillsets from overnight camping, hiking, fishing for crappie or bass, also for my equine friends there are 35 miles of trails and equine campsites or just a nice walk in the piedmont forest.  I just may pull out my yoga mat next time and meditate by Lake Crawford.  For the more endurance hiker, The Ridge-Line Trail connects 3 parks together (KMSP, Military Park & Crowders Mtn.)

Kings Mountain State Park originally consisted of 6,134 acres and came to be by donated land from the government, other tracts have since been acquired.   “The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.”* A number of the structures were built by the CCC.

My new discovery in the park is the hidden 63 acre Lake York, where you can paddle or fish. So stay tuned, I will be back to tell you about my paddling adventure and what I discover on Lake York. If you make it there before I do be sure to borrow a canoe or kayak to take along on your adventure.

Be sure to stop in at the Bush ‘n Vine on your way back to grab farm-fresh peaches and other locally grown veggies for dinner or look up Palmetto Seafood for some mouth-watering fried shrimp.

I hope you enjoyed taking a trip with me, Huck and my big sister.  If you have questions about your next adventure give me buzz at 704.650.6345 and be sure to visit my website at www.JamieLeggett.com

More info: https://southcarolinaparks.com/kings-mountain

*Historical information derived from the South Carolina Parks website