Crowders Mountain State Park

Plenty of hiking trails for all levels will take you to the companion peaks - either the Pinnacle or Crowders Mountain. From those peaks you can see 25 miles in any direction with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and abundant forests of chestnut oak. Take I-85 to York Rd. and go south. Make a slight left on Lake Montonia Rd., continue on Pinnacle, turn left on Sparrow Springs Rd., then make a left on State Park Lane. You'll see the Visitor Center parking lot a short distance ahead. The park is open every day from 8 to 6. (Submitted by Michael Mascari)