(information gathered from the
www.ncparks.gov - Crowders Mountain website)
Backside Trail: blazed in orange hexagons - A strenuous, .9 mile (one-way) trail that starts at the Linwood Access Area and ends at the summit of Crowders Mountain. Just before reaching the summit, hikers will climb up 336 wooden steps.
Family Camping Trail: blazed in red squares with a single tent - this .2 mile (one-way) trail is accessed off of the Pinacle trail and gives campers access to the family backpack camping area.
Group Camping Trail: blazed in light blue diamonds with three tents - this .4 mile (one-way) trail is accessed off of the Pinacle trail and gives campers access to the group backpack camping area.
Crowders Trail: blazed in white diamonds - this moderately strenuous 2.5 mile (one-way) trail begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the backside trail before that trail reaches the summit. The trail includes one state road crossing.
Fern Trail: blazed in red hexagons - this easy 1.0 mile loop trail begins at picnic shelter number 1, connects with a portion of the Turnback Trail and follows a creek for some portions of the trail.
Lake Trail: blazed in light blue circles - this easy .8 mile loop trail goes around the park lake.
Pinnacle Trail: blazed in orange circles - this strenuous 1.7 mile (one-way) trail begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the summit of King's Pinnacle, the highest point in Gaston County at 1,705 feet.
Ridgeline Trail: a 6.2 mile (one way) trail starting near the summit of Kings Pinnacle, following the ridgeline all the way to the South Carolina State line. The Ridgeline trail then continues for 2.5 miles into South Carolina through Kings Mountain State Park, and terminates at the 16 mile Kings Mountain National Recreation Trail that goes through Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Rocktop Trail: blazed in red squares - this strenuous 1.5 mile (one-way) trail starts at the road crossing of Sparrow Springs Road and Freedom Mill Road and ends at the summit of Crowders Mountain. There is no parking at either end of the trail and the trail must be accessed by either beginning on the Crowders Trail (visitor center) or the Tower or Backside Trails (at the summit). This trail crosses several rock ledges and requires good footwear and careful attention to staying on the trail.
Tower Trail: blazed in light blue squares - this strenuous 2.0 mile (one-way) trail begins at the Linwood Access Area and ends at the radio towers on Crowders Mountain. The trail is an old roadbed that begins with a gentle climb that becomes quite steep towards the end.
Turnback Trail: blazed in white triangles - this moderate .9 mile (one-way) trail begins at the southeast corner of the visitor center parking lot and ends at the Pinnacle Trail .7 miles from the summit of King's Pinnacle. The trail gives alternate hiking opportunities for both the Pinnacle and Fern trails.