Kings Mountain
National Military Park

Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. The battle fought on October 7, 1780 destroyed the left wing of Cornwallis' army and effectively ended Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and gave General Nathanael Greene the opportunity to reorganize the American Army.

Kings Mountain National Military Park was established on March 3, 1931 by an act of congress "in order to commemorate the Battle of Kings Mountain."

Kings Mountain National Military Park is the terminus of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail commemorating the route of the Patriot army from the mountains to the battle.

LOCATION:
Blacksburg, SC (York and Cherokee Counties, South Carolina)

MAILING ADDRESS:
2625 Park Rd.
Blacksburg, SC 29702

TELEPHONE:
(864) 936-7921 FAX: (864) 936-9897

OPERATING HOURS:
Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day

DIRECTIONS:
Kings Mountain National Military Park is located on South Carolina Highway 216. From Greenville, SC travel on I-85 North to NC Exit #2. From Charlotte, NC travel on I- 85 South to NC Exit #2.

CLIMATE:
Winters are mild with the lowest temperatures generally in the 20's. Summers are hot and humid with high temperatures in the 90's.

TRANSPORTATION:
Air: Large airline carriers operate in Charlotte, NC and Greenville, SC. Both cities are within an hours drive of the park. Car rentals are available at both locations.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No admission fees. Donations accepted at visitor center.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center:
Features an 18-minute film, Kings Mountain: Turning Point in the South; museum exhibit area; cooperating association sales outlet.

Battlefield Trail:
One and one-half mile self-guiding loop trail around battlefield site. The trail is the site of Ferguson's Cairn, the burial site of British Major Patrick Ferguson; the U.S. Monument and other markers; and wayside exhibits.

Hiking and Horse Trails:
Kings Mountain National Military Park and the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park have combined efforts to offer 16 miles of hiking trail and over 16 miles of horse trail.

LODGING and CAMPING:
Lodging:
Lodging is available in nearby Kings Mountain, NC, Gastonia, NC, and Gaffney, SC.

Camping:
Within the Kings Mountain National Military Park there is one designated backcountry campsite. The adjoining Kings Mountain State Park has a 116 site developed campground that is open year-round. Camping is on a first come basis. Further information on the campground is available by calling (803) 222-3209.

Food/Supplies:
A Trading Post is available in the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park. Local restaurants are available in nearby communities.

Other Concessions, NPS - Managed Visitor Facilities, and Opportunities:
A bookstore managed by Eastern National is located in the lobby of the visitor center.

Accessibility:
Each of the major sites in the park are wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair is available at the visitor center.

Special Needs:
There are designated parking spaces for buses and camper trailers at the visitor center parking area.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Visitor Center Activities; observing wildlife and wildflowers; hiking; and birdwatching.

For information on archeology, visit SEAC

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made three weeks prior to your visit. At least a four week notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. For additional information concerning reservations and Special Use Permits call (864) 936-7921.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the visitor center and battlefield trail. Length of stay for hiking and other activities will vary according to trip.

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
For more information about these and other programs call (864) 936-7921.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
The Kings Mountain State Park shares a common boundary with the Kings Mountain National Military Park. The state park offers picnicking and camping on a year-round basis. Seasonal activities include: Swimming and carpet golf. The state park also offers programs at a reconstructed late 18th century farmstead.

Cowpens National Battlefield, where the Patriot army camped the night before Kings Mountain, and the site of the famous Daniel Morgan 1781 victory over Banastre Tarleton, is 28 miles southwest.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Kings Mountain NMP, 2625 Park Rd. Blacksburg, SC 29702 or call (864) 936-7921.