Park Trails Kings Mountain National Military Park offers a variety of opportunities for walking and hiking in the park. Regardless of whether your interest is in history, nature, or just wanting to get some steps in, we have a trail for you! Remember that the most up-to-date information may not always be available online, so it’s always a good idea to speak with a ranger about current trail conditions before heading out. 
NPS Photo Length: 1.5 miles Surfacing: Paved Trail Marker: None, stay on pavement Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous This 1.5-mile self-guided walking trail allows visitors to tour the Kings Mountain battlefield from the perspective of both the patriot and loyalist militiamen who fought in the battle. Wayside exhibits are placed at intervals around the trail highlight various aspects of the battle. There are numerous memorials, monuments, and markers around the trail; the most important of which are the Centennial Monument, U.S. Monument, and Major Patrick Ferguson's Grave. A free audio tour is also available for visitors with cellphones. While this trail is paved trail it is only open to foot traffic and mobility devices. It is steep in several places, so visitors who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs should use extreme caution. Benches are located at intervals around the trail. 
NPS Photo Together, there are around 16 miles of backcountry hiking trails at Kings Mountain National Military Park. These trails are rated as moderate too strenuous as they feature constant elevation changes. There are no bathrooms or water available on these trails, and cellular service is limited to nonexistent, so plan accordingly. 
NPS Photo Length: 16 miles Surface: Unpaved Trail Marker: Blue Difficulty: Strenuous This 16-mile loop trail goes through both Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park. Plan on spending a full day hiking this trail. Water and bathrooms are unavailable while cellular service is limited to unavailable. Several campsites are available along this trail in both parks. For visitors unfamiliar with this trail, it is highly recommended that they speak to the rangers in either Kings Mountain National Military Park or Kings Mountain State Park before heading out. Trailhead access at Kings Mountain National Military Park is located near the visitor center. This trailhead also provides access to the Browns Mountain Trail and the Clarks Creek/Lake Crawford/Connector Trail. 
NPS Photo Length: 5 miles Surface: Unpaved Trail Marker: Blue Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous This 2.5-mile trail leads from the visitor center to the top of Browns Mountain, the highest point in Kings Mountain National Military Park (1,045 Ft). This is not a loop trail. You must backtrack to get back to the visitor center. A total hike of 5 miles. The trail crosses Park Road. This trail is a section of the longer National Recreation/Park Loop trail, which is 16 miles long, so pay attention to the trail signs. Trailhead access at Kings Mountain National Military Park is located near the visitor center. This trailhead also provides access to the National Recreation/Park Loop Trail and the Clarks Creek/Lake Crawford/Connector Trail. 
NPS Photo Length: 6 miles Surface: Unpaved Trail Marker: Blue Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous This 3-mile trail leads from the Kings Mountain National Military Park visitor center to Lake Crawford, which is located in Kings Mountain State. This is not a loop trail. You must backtrack in order to return to the visitor center. A total hike of 6 miles. The trail crosses Apple Road. This trail is a section of the longer National Recreation/Park Loop trail, which is 16 miles long, so pay attention to the trail signs. There are also several other trails that connect to it once it crosses into Kings Mountain State Park. Trailhead access at Kings Mountain National Military Park is located near the visitor center. This trailhead also provides access to the National Recreation/Park Loop Trail and the Clarks Creek/Lake Crawford/Connector Trail. 
NPS Photo Length: 14 miles Surface: Unpaved Trail Marker: White Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (Hikers) This trail is available for both horseback riding and hiking. Horses are not provided and the only spaces for parking horse trailers are in Kings Mountain State Park. Trailhead access at Kings Mountain National Military Park is located across Park Road from the visitor center, up a short flight of stairs. 
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Last updated: July 30, 2025