Crowders Mountain State Park

Map of TRACK Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park

Crowders Mountain State Park’s TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Turnback Trail, Fern Trail, and Lake Trail. These three trail combined make a 2.1 mile round-trip hike. The fern trail features various species of ferns and wildflowers. The Lake trail offers scenic views and is a great place to spot wildlife. Have fun as you travel the trail, exploring the park and discovering its wonders! PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD.

Raptors soar gracefully in the wind; vegetation reaches to the sky; sheer vertical cliffs drop 150 feet. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat. High atop Crowders Mountain, the second highest point in Gaston County, views stretch for more than 25 miles. For a closer view of nature's marvels, walk the park's many miles of trails. The gently rolling landscape of the North Carolina Piedmont offers a variety of terrain. Dip into the valleys; cross the foothills; climb to the peaks. Quiet woods, trickling streams and melodious birds await. These spectacular surroundings, like the unique habitats in many other state parks, would not exist were it not for the efforts of concerned citizens dedicated to protecting our environment.

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for Crowders Mountain State Park

Location Details

Recreational Features: Camping, Picnic Tables, Fishing, Interpretive Programs, Birding
Amenities: Restrooms, Nature Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop
ADA Compliant:
Seasonality:
Trees reflecting in the lake at sunrise
Gravel path along the banks of the lake
Gravel path through field
Stream winding through rocks
Bright fall colors on the mountain
View of the mountain
Kids in Parks Trailhead sign
Pink mountain laurel buds

Adventures for Crowders Mountain State Park

Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
2.10
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Hiking

Finding Ferns

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
2.10
The Finding Ferns brochure is a fun and challenging adventure. Follow the illustrations and clues to find as many of the ferns as possible. You're going to have to be a nature detective to find them all.
Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
2.10
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
2.10
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
Hiking

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
2.10
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.

Directions

522 Park Office Lane
Gastonia, NC 28052
Latitude: 35.213504000000
Longitude: -81.293133300000

Click here for official maps and directions

From southbound I-85, take exit 13 to Edgewood Road. At the top of the ramp turn left onto Edgewood Road. At the first stoplight, turn right onto Franklin Boulevard/Highway 74 and drive approximately two miles. At the next stoplight, turn left onto Sparrow Springs Road. Continue on Sparrow Springs Road for approximately two miles, and turn right again on Sparrow Springs Road. The main entrance to the park will be on the right in less than one mile.

From northbound I-85, take exit 8 to NC 161. At the top of the ramp turn right onto NC 161 and drive approximately a quarter mile. Then turn left onto Lake Montonia Road/Pinnacle Road and follow it to its end at Sparrow Springs Road. Turn left at the stop sign onto Sparrow Springs Road. The main entrance to the park will be on the left in approximately one mile.

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, Crowders Mountain State Park, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.