[link-kmz urlbase=”crowders08/crowders_mountain_east”] [link-gpx urlbase=”crowders08/crowders_mountain_sp”] [link-maps googlemapsurl=”http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=35.240922,-81.269217&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=14&sll=35.242044,-81.27162&sspn=0.032877,0.040684&ie=UTF8&z=14″ location=”the trailhead”]

Trail Description

Beginning at the parking lot and ranger station, the trail is well marked and leads to the gravel tower road. Slightly up the road, the backside trail breaks off to the right. It’s a wide gravel path that climbs steeply up and around to the base of the cliffs. From this point the trail becomes a long and steep staircase (336 steps) that winds up to the top of the cliffs.

At the top of the cliffs, hikers are presented with great views of the Charlotte skyline and city of Gastonia. In addition to the view, one can hike around the tops of the cliffs before following the rocktop trail towards the radio transmitters (this is the summit at 1625 ft) where the tower trail begins shortly thereafter.

The tower trail provides a great way to descend from the mountain because it’s relatively smooth and not overly steep. The trail has to be in that condition in order to provide automobile and/or truck access to the mountain-top transmitters. After constant descent the trail then winds through the forest as it returns back to the parking area.

Trail Data

[gps-data-up distance=”2.6″ elevationdifference=”705″ climb=”777″ descent=”800″ time=”1.5 hours round-trip”]

Trail Map

[gps-iframe urlbase=”crowders08/crowders_01″ height=”496″]

Trail Elevation Profile

[gps-elevation trailname=”Crowders Mountain East” urlbase=”crowders08/crowders_01″]

Trail Photos