South Mountains State Park

Amenities: Handicap Accessibility, Restrooms, Information Available, Biking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Picnic Facilities

Unique Features: Nestled deep in the North Carolina foothills, this approximately 18,000-acre state park is the perfect place to experience nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the Piedmont.  Due to the park’s location in the transition zone between the Mountain and Piedmont regions, a unique blending of flora and fauna are found here.  The park comes alive with a symphony of chirping during the spring and summer months as at least 66 species of birds are known to nest here.  In fact, South Mountains is designated as a North Carolina Important Bird Area.  Walk along the park’s 40 miles of trails, 30 miles of which are open to horseback riding and 18 miles are open to mountain bikes, and enjoy a variety of beautiful wildflowers, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, lady slipper and foam flower.  The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and over 800 species of plants, more than 100 of which are federal or state listed endangered or rare species. 

Habitats: Upland Forest, Cove Forest

Additional Information: A special license is needed for trout fishing.  North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission rules and regulations apply. 

Directions: From Interstate 40, Exit 105.  Travel south on N.C. 18 for 9 miles and turn right onto S.R. 1913 (Sugarloaf Road). Travel approximately 6 miles and turn left onto S.R. 1924 (Old N.C. 18).  Travel approximately 4 miles and turn right onto S.R. 1901 (Ward’s Gap Road).  Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto S.R. 1904 (South Mountains Park Avenue) which leads directly into the park.

South Mountains State Park Map

Hours of Operation:November-February, 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
March and October, 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
April, May, September, 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
June-August, 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Contact Information:
South Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountains State Park Avenue
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
828-433-4772
South Mountains State Park