Kings Mountain in Blacksburg, South Carolina – an American Revolutionary War site — offers an unusual experience as hiking and history merge.
Whenever I am visiting relatives in North Carolina, I make several trips to go hiking over the border in South Carolina at the Kings Mountain National Military Park’s Battlefield Trail. The 1.5-mile trail is a nice workout with plenty of steep hills. It’s also paved which is a nice break from the more rugged terrain of other nearby hiking trails.
For the best hiking in South Carolina experience, plan on visiting Kings Mountain in South Carolina as well as some of the nearby state parks. Here are a few things you should know when traveling to South Carolina for an immersion in American Revolutionary War history or a history and hiking excursion.
No. 1: Why Kings Mountain offers some of the best hiking in South Carolina: The 1.5-mile paved self-guiding Battlefield Trail will get your heart rate up. I burned about 200 calories for each lap. You can also take other hiking trails. With the national military and state park, Kings Mountain offers 16 miles of hiking trails.
No. 2: Why Kings Mountain offers some of the best hiking in South Carolina: Kings Mountain Military Park has a visitor’s center with restrooms, an adorable gift shop that sells items such as bonnets worn by women during the time of the American Revolution.
No. 3: Why Kings Mountain offers some of the best hiking in South Carolina: When on the Battlefield Trail, you will learn about the various patriots leaders, view a 1930 Hoover monument. President Herbert Hoover came to Kings Mountain on Oct. 7, 1930 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain.
While hiking, you can also view the 1880 Centennial Monument and the 1909 U. S. Monument as well as other memorials that honor American Revolutionary War heroes. The Battle of Kings Mountain is considered to be a turning point in the war that put a stop to England’s attempt to conquer the South.
No. 4: Why Kings Mountain offers some of the best hiking in South Carolina: In addition to the hiking, the Kings Mountain has various activities such as summer concerts, 18th-century military re-enactments, ranger talks and other events that remember the victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain. I’ve always found the rangers at the Visitor Center to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
No. 5: Why Kings Mountain offers some of the best hiking in South Carolina: Camping is available in the Kings Mountain National Military Park, but is considered a more “primitive” site. The nearby Kings Mountain State Park has a 116-site campground with group, RV and tent sites.
In the summer, there is plenty of shade on Kings Mountain. In the fall, I love to look at the changing colors of the leaves. I’ve never seen a black bear or even a snake on Kings Mountain – which makes this hiker happy! But, of course, be aware of your surroundings.
To get to Kings Mountain National Military Park from I-85, take N.C. exit 2; go south on S. C. 216 and follow signs to the parks. For more information, call (864) 936-7921 or visit www.nps.gov/kimo.
