South Mountains State Park 4.8 (reviews)

Connelly Springs, NC National Parks Unclaimed
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About South Mountains State Park

Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Its also happens to be one of North Carolina's most rugged areas. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, as well as a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. That's a lot of adventure to be had!

The trails are a great way to really immerse yourself in the stunning nature around you, and are perfect for hikers, equestrians and even mountain bikers.

A trip to Jacob Fork River and you'll find yourselves in the perfect spot for some trout fishing. This spot also happens to be right next to the drive-to campsites. South Mountains State Park also has equestrian camping with trailer parking and barn, with easy access to the 33 miles of bridle trails.

If it's the primitive backcountry experience you want with your camping, then you can choose from the 20 backpacking campsites at six locations. 

The best place to start your adventure is at the visitor center. It's here kids can check out the museum-quality exhibits all on the cultural and natural history of the South Mountains.

With picnic areas too, it's a beautiful nature-filled adventure for all ages!

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Adults Free to enter the park!

Children Free to enter the park!

Last Update 2023

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South Mountains State Park FAQ’s

I’m Hungry! Can I get food at South Mountains State Park?

The park have two picnic areas and a picnic shelter if you're in a group, so why not take your own packed lunch and enjoy it in the mountains!

Any top tips when visiting?

All visitors with horses must be able to provide proof of a negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test while visiting North Carolina State Parks. There are no horse rentals available in the park.

Teachers corner

Educational materials about South Mountains State Park have been developed for grades 4-7 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The South Mountains program introduces students to stream and watershed ecology, focusing on the aquatic life, water quality, indicator species, biotic index, watershed and stewardship of Jacob's Fork River. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators.

Does South Mountains State Park have healthy eating or Vegan options?

Take plenty of bottled water

Is South Mountains State Park fully accessible?

Most of the trails are natural surface and gravel

Any additonal information?

While general trout regulations apply in this area for part of the year, only single hook artificial lures can be used from October through the first Friday in June, and every fish caught must be released. A special license is needed for trout fishing