South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park is the largest protected area in North Carolina, covering 18,000 acres with mountains reaching around 3,000 feet in elevation and featuring an 80-foot waterfall along Jacob Fork River. The terrain includes forests, streams, and open ridges that create a diverse landscape for exploration.

The North Carolina government established this park in 1975 to protect 18,000 acres of natural mountain terrain in the region between the Appalachian Mountains and their foothills. This designation was a key effort to preserve the landscape for future generations.

The park draws people seeking a connection to the natural rhythm of the mountains and the sound of flowing water. It serves as a place where visitors experience the landscape that has shaped life in this part of North Carolina for generations.

The park offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, along with camping sites that have electrical hookups for extended stays. Visitors should know that mountain trails vary in difficulty and conditions change with the seasons.

The Jacob Fork River within the park contains special trout waters where anglers can fish in designated catch-and-release sections during specific seasons. These waters offer a quiet way to experience the park's river landscapes in detail.

Location: Burke County

Inception: 1975

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-18:00

Website: http://ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park

GPS coordinates: 35.59860,-81.65970

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43