The remarkable beauty of this state park is the perfect setting for any activity.

by Contributor

In Short
Located just outside of Gastonia, this 2,857-acre state park offers hiking trails, walking paths, picnic areas, a fishing pier and canoe rentals. Visitors can climb up natural peaks for awe-inspiring views or camp. The park boasts eight trails, ranging in difficulty and taking hikers past breathtaking outlooks and over diverse terrain. For families and young nature buffs, the park offers natural and cultural history education programs as well as regularly scheduled hikes with park rangers.

06/02/02

magical

by andreajayros

Crowders Mountain is a short drive from Charlotte. It is an ancient, magical mountain, with table rock and climbing castles, the colors of the lichens on the rocks are seen nowhere else. One of my favorite walks is up Rocky Top...the views are beautiful the whole way, and it's a good quick cardio workout. Just be sure to leave before dark if you're not camping. The rangers get crabby if you make them late for their dinners.

• Pros: proximity 2 Charlotte, beautiful scenery, good workout
• Cons: bring water, allow time for return, crabby rangers