One more question about state mountain park.... (Charlotte, High Point: suite, food)

[newcharlottan]

Need something that is 90 minutes or less. Has a trail to the summit/peak.

Crowders Mountain Park

Morrow Mountain Park

Chimney Rock

Or any else? It is for my brother (14) that never seen a mountain let alone foothills.

[SunnyKayak]

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: - Welcome to South Mountains State Park

It around a hour and half but he will also be able to view the beautiful waterfalls
Connelly Springs, NC - Google Maps

The trail on the left is more rigerous but more beautiful than the trail on the right
You will be climbing to sides of the falls and surrounded by Mountain Laurels (bring water)

It about hour and half from city center
Connelly Springs, NC - Google Maps

[newcharlottan]

Sunny, is the trail on the right easy enough for a seven year old to climb or more suited for hubby and bro?

As for bringing water, you would laugh at how I pack for a park excursion. I pack as if we are going into the wilderness and can be lost for days. Compass, water purifier bottles, food both fresh and dried....I think I watch too many, "I Survivied" shows.

[kehinnc]

Mount Jefferson State Park in Jefferson, NC is about 2.5 hours from Huntersville. It makes for a great day trip and with the Fall colors coming up, its needs to be on your agenda. Also, it is not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: - Welcome to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)

[newcharlottan]

Kehinnc, I am in south Charlotte, near the SC border. With hot weather, a toddler and 7 year old, I need to keep the trip at max 90 minutes as that is 3 hours total round trip.

But later on, I have to check that out when it is cooler.

[SunnyKayak]

Now that you refresh my memory on your location Crowders or Morrow mountain will probably be your best bet for closeness.

Im concern that South Mountain might not be rough for a 7 year old it is a mile on either side of High Shoal Falls. It more for those who are adventourous or need to loose some weight. A little more further is Pilot Mountain and you can drive to the summit on that mountain no hiking involved.

Kings Mountain is the best if you want foothills and mountain

Im surprise you know who hasnt chime in on this

[amploud]

I'd vote for South Mountains State Park. It's a bit more rugged than the other parks that are close by. It has short and long hiking trails, so it will allow you to pick your hike time. There is a waterfall in the park also. Kids usually love those! It should take about 1.5 hours to drive there.

[mm34b]

You can scratch Chimney Rock State Park off of your list. Although it's my favorite, it's not within your 90 minutes rule.

County Elevations - County High Points

[kehinnc]

With a drive time limit of 90 minutes, your options are limited.
You might try some SC Parks.
Park Locator: South Carolina State Parks

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Now that you refresh my memory on your location Crowders or Morrow mountain will probably be your best bet for closeness.

Im concern that South Mountain might not be rough for a 7 year old it is a mile on either side of High Shoal Falls. It more for those who are adventourous or need to loose some weight. A little more further is Pilot Mountain and you can drive to the summit on that mountain no hiking involved.

Kings Mountain is the best if you want foothills and mountain

Im surprise you know who hasnt chime in on this

hahahaha - HERE I AM


Okay, all the suggestions have been great - BUT I have to say, I think the choice should be Chimney Rock. The trails are awesome, the views are great, the waterfall is amazing. For a kid who has never seen a mountain this one is a really cool one to be on and it gives great views of many other mountains. At Crowders and Kings Mt, even at Stone Mt, you don't really get high enough to see other mountains - you just climb the mountain. Let me know if you want some other info newcharlottean