Morrow Mountain State Park
Morrow Mountain, about 45 miles east of Charlotte, seems almost out of place, with steep and rugged mountains rising out of the rolling hills of the Piedmont. Lake Tillery and the Pee Dee River provide plenty of recreation opportunities on the edge of Uwharrie National Forest. Boat rentals are available at the park and there are boat ramps for the river and the lake. Many trails cross the park and can be tread on foot, bike or horse. The park has a museum and interpretive programs in the summer. Numerous campgrounds and six cabins are available.
Morrow Mountain State Park
49104 Morrow Mountain Road
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-4402
ncparks.gov/visit/parks/momo/main.php
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman, about 40 miles north of Charlotte, is the largest lake in the state, covering 32,510 acres and a 34-mile main channel. The state park website calls it an "inland sea." Fishing and boating are major activities. Boats are available for rent at the park. A swimming beach is located at the south end of the lake. The park has campgrounds, both for individuals and groups. Cabins and a community building can also be rented. Park rangers give interpretive programs in the summer. Hikers can try a five-mile trail, and there is another nearby trail for mountain bikers.
Lake Norman State Park
159 Inland Sea Lane
Troutman, NC 28166
704-528-6350
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/lano/main.php
Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park, about 30 miles west of Charlotte, is a great place for hiking and climbing. The mountains have 150-foot sheer cliffs, and the park stretches all the way to Kings Mountain. The view from the top of the mountain is inspiring and well worth the climb. The mark has many trails and goes through several types of terrain, from mountains to hills to flat valleys. A small lake offers fishing, and there are boats available for rent. A campground has full service, and there are cabins for rent.
The park has a welcome station and rangers do interpretive programs in summer.
Crowders Mountain State Park
522 Park Office Lane
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
704-853-5375
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/crmo/main.php
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
