Morrow Mountain State Park Campground
Check in at the Morrow Mountain State Park office before heading to your campsite. While at the office, check with the rangers about the trail conditions and pick up your free hiking map. If you need firewood, purchase it here and it will be delivered to your campsite. Don't forget to get a stamp in your NC State Parks Passport.
Tent & RV Loop
We found ourselves camping on another beautiful weekend in mid-January. With the temperatures dropping below freezing at night, we tested out our new electric heater for the tent. And yes, we remained toasty warm all night, but we did have to drive around looking for an electric hookup campsite with close access to the tent pad.
Morrow Mountain State Park campground has 106 campsites for tents and RVs, but only one loop is open all year. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but clean. With the close proximity to Charlotte, we imagine that the weekends are busy during peak season. Our off-season camping trip was quiet and relaxing.
- Electric and non-electric campsites available
- No water or sewer hookups; dump station located at the entrance to the campground
- Well-patrolled campground
Vacation Cabins
Looking for an outdoor vacation, but not in a tent or RV? Morrow Mountain State Park has six family vacation cabins. Each cabin accommodates up to six people - a nature getaway with the convenience of a bathroom, living areas, two bedrooms, and a kitchen. Linens and pillows are not provided.
- No pets, with exception of service animals.
- Mid-June through mid-August: 7 night minimum (Mon to Mon); rest of the year: 2 night minimum
Warning: Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter.
Morrow Mountain State Park Trails
Morrow Mountain State Park, part of the ancient Uwharrie Mountains of North Carolina, has a mixture of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, making it simple for any hiker to create their own nature experience. View the Morrow Mountain State Park hiking map for available trail options. The ones we chose to explore are listed below.
Quarry Trail Loop – blue diamond blaze – 0.6 miles (Easy)
One of our favorite trails and conveniently located near a picnic area, the Quarry Trail features several water crossings and takes you past the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rock quarry. This former quarry supplied the rocks used in many of the structures you see around Morrow Mountain State Park. Pickup a Kids in the Parks Track brochure at the trailhead for a hiking scavenger hunt.
Three Rivers Trail Loop – blue hexagon blaze – 0.8 miles (Easy)
Another family-friendly trail, park at the boat ramp lot for access to the Three Rivers Trailhead. This trail includes an overlook area where the Uwharrie River joins the Yadkin River and the Yadkin River changes its name to the Pee Dee River – thus the name - Three Rivers. Follow along the river’s edge before turning inland and explore the various habitats that Morrow Mountain State Park offers.
Mountain Loop Trail – 0.8mile – red square blaze (Easy)
If you are driving up Morrow Mountain, make time to hike on the scenic Mountain Loop Trail. The trail circles around the peak and gives you great views, especially during the winter months, of the countryside and lakes. Although not steep, the trail is rocky in places. Much of the rock appears to be rhyolite, which early Native Americans had quarried here and used to fashion spearheads, axes, and other tools.
Note: It is illegal to collect any rocks, minerals, or artifacts from Morrow Mountain State Park.
Fall Mountain Trail Loop – 4.1 mile – orange triangle blaze (Moderate)
A great all-around hike, the Fall Mountain had been recommended to us by a Morrow Mountain State Park ranger and it was definitely a winner. The trail winds through diverse habitats and wintertime provides the best views of Lake Tillery and surrounding landscape. More rhyolite rock outcrops can be found at the top of Fall Mountain. After finishing the loop, relax over lunch at one of the picnic tables overlooking the river - be on the watch for ospreys and bald eagles. Plenty of parking at the boat ramp lot. Restrooms available.
Morrow Mountain Trail - 5.2 mile - blue triangle blaze (Moderate)
Beginning at the park office parking lot, Morrow Mountain Trail uses portions of the Laurel Trail, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, and Mountain Loop Trail - keep your eye on the blue blaze. Morrow Mountain trail is a beautiful hike through the hardwood forests with a few water crossings. At the top of Morrow Mountain, restrooms, picnic tables, and awesome views await. A word of caution: be prepared to trudge up the particularly steep last quarter of a mile.
Morrow Mountain State Park Activities
From the moment you enter Morrow Mountain State Park, you'll begin to understand the architectural influence that permeates the grounds. From 1933 to 1942, thousands of men were put to work by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). If you've traveled to some of our National Parks like Big Bend, Great Smoky Mountains, and Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll be familiar with the distinct CCC stonework.
Morrow Mountain State Park is one of seven North Carolina State Parks that have been constructed by the CCC. The others include William B. Umstead State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Fort Macon State Park (the FIRST CCC camp in North Carolina), Cape Hatteras State Park (now National Seashore), Mount Mitchell State Park, and South Mountains State Park.
Paddling
Morrow Mountain State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals on weekends in April, May, September, and October, and daily June through Labor Day. With a valid ID and a minimum age of 16, pick from single sit-on-top kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUP), and canoes holding anywhere from 2-4 people.
Caution: Due to dangerous currents, no swimming is allowed from the shoreline or from the rental boats.
- Rental hours: 10am - 5:30pm (weather permitting)
- Cost: $7/hour
- No pets allowed in boat rentals.
Swimming
The late 1930's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stonework gives a nostalgic feel to the Olympic-sized swimming pool, the only day-use pool in the North Carolina state park system. No slides or diving boards, the pool ranges from 3-5 feet deep. For the little ones, a wading pool is available. Concessions are sold here, but feel free to bring your own food - but no glass for safety reasons. It's a great way to cool off after a day of hiking at Morrow Mountain State Park!
- Hours: 10am-5:30pm
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, and concessions
- Fees: $5/adults, $4/children age 3-12; under 3 are free.
Picnicking
Morrow Mountain State Park hosts four picnic table areas: on top of Morrow Mountain, at the swimming pool, near the quarry trailhead, and down by the boating ramp on Lake Tillery. Have a large gathering? Picnic shelter reservations are available for a fee; they are otherwise free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms are available at each location.
Morrow Mountain State Park History
Morrow Mountain State Park Natural History Museum
Discover the rich history of Morrow Mountain State Park at the one-room museum located at the far end of the parking office lot. Exhibits include information on the geology of Morrow Mountain, the prehistoric people that settled here as far back as 12,000 years ago, and the native flora and fauna. A stop here first to look at samples of rocks and minerals, such as rhyolite and argillite, will make for easier identification as you hike.
- Hours: 10am-5pm
Dr Francis Kron Homestead
Prussian-born Dr Francis Kron and his French wife Mary Catherine immigrated to United States in the early 1800's. Kron earned a medical degree in Pennsylvania and then set up his practice in North Carolina. In 1834, he and his wife purchased 294 acres of property in what is now Morrow Mountain State Park and named their homestead Attaway Hill.
In addition to his medical practice, Kron was keenly interested in horticulture. His work included improving soil conditions, developing vineyards, and growing exotic plants in his greenhouse. Not original, the homestead was reconstructed in the 1960's. On select afternoons, the interior of the home and medical office are open to visitors.
Interested in other North Carolina state parks? Check out these posts.
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