| Peaking at 800 feet above the surrounding countryside, resisting the
forces of erosion throughout vast periods of time, Crowders Mountain and
Kings Pinnacle are remnants of an ancient mountain range. Once the core of
mighty mountains that towered thousands of feet above sea level, these
surviving peaks are part of the Appalachian chain that formed in the
region 450 to 500 million years ago. Geologically classified as kyanite-quartzite
monadnocks, only the strength of quartzite has allowed these pinnacles to
withstand the wind, water and other forces that eroded less resistant
peaks. |
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| Crowders Mountain, at an elevation of 1,625 feet, is a registered
natural heritage area that features sheer vertical cliffs ranging from 100
to 150 feet in height. Kings Pinnacle, by contrast, has a round, gentle
profile and reaches an elevation of 1,705 feet. These mountains and the
saddle that connects them are oriented in a northeast to southwest
direction, their slopes facing east and west. Spectacular views await
those who ascend these mighty pinnacles.
Directions:
From southbound I-85, take exit 13 to Edgewood Road. At the top of the
ramp turn left onto Edgewood Road. At the first stoplight, turn right onto
Franklin Boulevard/Highway 74 and drive approximately two miles. At the
next stoplight, turn left onto Sparrow Springs Road. Continue on Sparrow
Springs Road for approximately two miles, and turn right again on Sparrow
Springs Road. The main entrance to the park will be on the right in less
than one mile.
From northbound I-85, take exit 8 to NC 161. At the top of the ramp
turn right onto NC 161 and drive approximately a quarter mile. Then turn
left onto Lake Montonia Road/Pinnacle Road and follow it to its end at
Sparrow Springs Road. Turn left at the stop sign onto Sparrow Springs
Road. The main entrance to the park will be on the left in approximately
one mile.
Information provided by the North
Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation For more information visit the official
Crowders
Mountain State Park web site.
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