Kings Mountain

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Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. The battle fought on October 7, 1780 destroyed the left wing of Cornwallis' army and effectively ended Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and gave General Nathanael Greene the opportunity to reorganize the American Army.

Kings Mountain National Military Park was established on March 3, 1931 by an act of congress "in order to commemorate the Battle of Kings Mountain."

The Visitor Center features an 18-minute film, Kings Mountain: Turning Point in the South; museum exhibit area; cooperating association sales outlet.

Hike the Battlefield Trail, a one and one-half mile self-guiding loop trail around battlefield site. The trail is the site of Ferguson's Cairn, the burial site of British Major Patrick Ferguson; the U.S. Monument and other markers; and wayside exhibits.

There are also hiking and horse trails. Kings Mountain National Military Park and the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park have combined efforts to offer 16 miles of hiking trail and over ten miles of horse trail.

Within the Kings Mountain National Military Park there is one designated backcountry campsite. The adjoining Kings Mountain State Park has a 125 site developed campground that is open year-round. Camping is on a first come basis. Further information on the campground is available by calling (803) 222-3209.

A Trading Post is available in the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park. Local restaurants are available in nearby communities. A bookstore managed by Eastern National Parks & Monument Association is located in the lobby of the visitor center.

Evening Programs are often held during the summer season and during the weeks surrounding the anniversary of the battle (early October). Eighteenth Century Military Encampments are held one weekend out of the month during May, August, and October. A special ceremony commemorating the victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain is held on October 7th each year. For more information about these and other programs call (803) 936-7921.

The Kings Mountain State Park shares a common boundary with the Kings Mountain National Military Park. The state park offers picnicking and camping on a year-round basis. Seasonal activities include: Swimming and carpet golf. The state park also offers programs at a reconstructed late 18th century farmstead. Kings Mountain State Park is located in a picturesque area that stretches along the extreme eastern foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. this park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Take a glimpse back into time, where the lifestyle of this area's early pioneers is re-created in an historic setting. A system of trails allows a close look at the natural history of the upper South Carolina piedmont.

Located on Lake York, isolated from other developed areas on the park are two group camps, York and Cherokee. These facilities are for use of organized groups. Each group camp is self-contained with a kitchen-recreation building and cabins for campers and staff members. The camps are located on opposite shores of the lake from each other with swimming areas at each camp. Camp Cherokee sleeps 104 people and Camp York sleeps 140 people.

A 119-site family camping area with water and electrical hookups is located away from the activity area in a hardwood forest. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathhouses with hot showers and restroom facilities are available. And there is a primitive area for organized groups. There is also a trading post in the park.

Clarks Creek Nature Trail winds through a hardwood forest to the National Military park. Interesting examples of flora and fauna may be viewed along the trail. The 16 mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail begins in the park picnic area as the Clarks Creek Trail. The 3-mile Clarks Creek Trail takes hikers to the National Park Visitors Center. The remainder of the 16-mile trail continues through the National Park in a circular route back into the state park to its starting point. Fishing for bass, bream, crappie and catfish may be enjoyed on Lake York. Rental fishing boats are available. A park interpreter conducts a variety of organized programs for park visitors and community groups throughout the year. The "Living History Farm" is the site of Pioneer Days, a 2-day event held in September. Pioneer games, arts and crafts, country cooking and a black-powder shooting competition highlight this exceptional program.

Related Sites

• National Park Service
• SC Kings Mountain State Park
• Boy Scout Camping Guide

Directions

DIRECTIONS:
Kings Mountain National Military Park in located on South Carolina Highway 216. From Greenville, SC travel on I-85 North to NC Exit #2. From Charlotte, NC travel on I- 85 South to NC Exit #8. Proceed on Highway 161 south for 4.9 Miles. The Park road is on your right.

CLIMATE:
Winters are mild with the lowest temperatures generally in the 20's. Summers are hot and humid with high temperatures in the 90's.

TRANSPORTATION:
Air: Large airline carriers operate in Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC. Both cities are within an hours drive of the park. Car rentals are available at both locations.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No admission fees. Donations accepted at visitor center.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made three weeks prior to your visit. At least a four week notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. For additional information concerning reservations and Special Use Permits call (803) 936-7921.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the visitor center and battlefield trail. Length of stay for hiking and other activities will vary according to trip.

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