King's Mountain National Battlefield

South Carolina has its share of battlefields, both Revolutionary and Civil Wars. We spent a cold, rainy day at King’s Mountain National Military Park and a sunny, but very windy day at Cowpens National Battlefield. Both were very interesting (if you are into the Revolutionary War) and had self-guided walking tours of the battlefield.

Gene reading one of the many interpretative panels along the trail.

King’s Mountain is a winner. The facilities and exhibits were all modern and attractive on our visit. The battlefield is small enough to understand the action of 1780. A one and a half mile paved trail around and through the battlefield is easy enough for most.

Picnicking and camping are available nearby in Kings Mountain State Park. The state park also has both horse and hiking trails. The hiking trail loops through the national park as well, forming a loop of over 16 miles.

For a moderate leg stretcher, try the walk to Brown’s Mtn. Register and get the map at the visitor center. A 5 mile round trip on woodland trails, it is an easy out-and-back hike to a high knob overlooking the valley at the edge of the escarpment.

The American Volkssports Association has a local chapter (Tarheel State Walkers Volkssport Assn.) that sponsors a Year Round Event (YRE) at the national park. It is a 10 kilometer walk that includes Brown’s Mtn. and the battlefield walks. Ask for the Walk Box at the Visitor Center. Non-credit AVA walks are free.

Allow 2 hours minimum for the visitor center and battlefield walk.

This Park is worth a visit.