Office of Environmental Education
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South Mountains State Park
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South Mountains is one of North Carolina's largest state parks with a major emphasis on wilderness activities. There are a variety of marked hiking trails, 29 miles of equestrian trails and an 18-mile loop trail for mountain bike riders. The environmental education program for school groups centers around a curriculum packet called the Environmental Education Learning Experience (EELE). The EELE contains pre-visit, on-site and post-visit activities that focus on the park's unique natural features and are correlated to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction objectives. Contact the park for more information about the park's EELE and other environmental education programs and activities for the general public.

jacobs fork

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North Carolina State Parks  
Raleigh, NC 27699

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 		South Mountains State Park

Attachments
Junior Ranger program flyer (PDF)

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

Address
3001 South Mountain Park Avenue
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Directions
South Mountains State Park is located in southwestern Burke County, 18 miles south of Morganton. From I-40, turn south on NC 18, travel nine miles and make a right turn onto SR 1913 (Sugar Loaf Road). Take SR 1913 to Old NC 18 and turn left. Travel four miles and make a right turn onto SR 1901 (Ward's Gap Road). The park is off SR 1901 on SR 1904 (South Mountain Park Avenue).

Phone
(828) 433-4772
(828) 433-4778 (fax)

Website  ncparks.gov

Contacts


Jonathan Griffith
Wade E Stubbs
(828) 432-8983  Park Ranger, South Mountains State Park

Mission
The North Carolina state parks systems exists for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.

Cost of Programs/Admission
There is no admission fee. $9.00 camping fee per night, per site for family camping. $1.00 camping fee per night, per person for group camping. $15.00 camping fee per night, per site for equestrian camping, with additional charge per stall.

Features
The South Mountains, carved out of the Blue Ridge by erosion, are a broad belt of peaks and knobs rising abruptly from a deep valley. These steep, rugged mountains encompass 100,000 acres in Burke, Cleveland and Rutherford counties. While most of the high points average approximately 2,000 feet in elevation, Buzzard's Roost towers some 3,000 feet above the surrounding landscape.

Accessibility
ADA accessible features: Hemlock Nature Trail, a one-mile loop trail featuring displays of the area wildlife and activities; Campsite #7 in the family campground; one picnic area in the Jacob Fork Picnic Area; Picnic Shelter located at the far end of the Jacob Fork Parking Area.

Additional
Equestrian Trails

Eco Region(s)
Piedmont (Ecoregion 45)

River Basin(s)
Catawba River Basin

Related Topics
  • Amphitheater
  • Auditorium
  • Biking Trail
  • Bus Parking
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Environmental Education Center
  • Environmental Education Organization
  • Exhibits
  • Fishing
  • Government
  • Hiking Trail
  • Horseback Trail
  • Permanent Education Staff
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Restrooms
  • Tent Campsite
Posted 9/30/2006 5:17 PM
Updated   2/24/2009


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