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South Mountains State Park
A South Mountains view as seen from Chestnut Knob
Photo taken January 23, 2001
South Mountains State Park is a good winter hiking area. While the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge to the west might be snow covered. The S. Mountains are usually a bit milder. The highest elevation in the Park is Benn Knob at 2,894'. Chestnut Knob is 2,291;, so in Summer being next to the Piedmont it could get a bit too warm here. However, walking the Gorge to High Shoals Falls would probably be cooler.
South Mountains has plenty of trails for the hiker! Also, there are a number of 'Pack in' campsites. So Back country hikes are possible. There is a fee for camping in the Park and Park Gates are locked at night. Check with the Ranger Station when you arrive. The Park is quite remote. I was there on a Tuesday and pretty much had the trails to myself. Only saw 5 other people and all of those were at or near the Parking area! I can imagine it can get crowded on weekends and holidays with locals. Especially these two trails I hiked.
