Morrow Mountain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morrow Mountain State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Morrow Mountain Overlook
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 Morrow Mountain State Park
Location in North Carolina
Morrow Mountain State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Stanly County, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 5,881 acres (23.80 km2) |
| Elevation | 936 ft (285 m) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Named for | Morrow Mountain |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
Morrow Mountain State Park is a cool place to visit in Stanly County, North Carolina, U.S. It's near Albemarle and covers about 5,881 acres (23.80 km2) of land. This park is part of the Uwharrie Mountains, which are super old!
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Exploring Morrow Mountain's Geography
Morrow Mountain is one of the tallest spots in the Uwharrie Mountains. These mountains were once huge, reaching almost 20,000 feet (6,100 m) high. Over a very long time, wind and rain wore them down. Now, they look more like big hills, usually less than 1,000 feet (300 m) tall. These hills are actually the remains of one of the oldest mountain ranges in eastern America.
The highest point in the park is Morrow Mountain itself, standing at 936 feet (285 m). From the top, you can see amazing views of the land around you. The park also has a big river system called the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. You can spot this river from the mountain's overlook on a clear day.
A Look Back: Morrow Mountain's History
People have lived in this area for a very long time. Scientists found tools and other items showing that Native Americans were here at least 12,000 years ago. Morrow Mountain was a major source of stone for tools. It was like a giant rock quarry for them.
Near the town of Badin, there's a special place called the Hardaway Site. Thousands of stone tools and weapon points have been found there. Many of these tools were made from a type of rock called rhyolite, which came from Morrow Mountain. These tools were traded far and wide, found from Maine to Florida.
European settlers started arriving in the 1700s. In 1780, a man named John Kirk started a ferry. This ferry helped people cross the river and connect to important roads.
How Morrow Mountain Became a Park
People in the area wanted to create a state park in the 1930s. By 1937, they had gathered over 3,000 acres (12 km2) of land. Much of this land was given by the people of Stanly County. The park is named after James McKnight Morrow, who donated a lot of land in 1920. Morrow Mountain State Park officially opened to visitors in the summer of 1939.
Many of the park's first buildings and facilities were built between 1937 and 1942. This work was done by groups like the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Projects Administration. These groups helped create jobs during a tough economic time. More facilities were added in the 1950s and 1960s.
Fun Things to Do at Morrow Mountain
There's a beautiful spot at the top of Morrow Mountain called the scenic overlook. It offers amazing views of the whole area. You'll find picnic tables, grills, and a shelter there, perfect for a meal with a view.
You can also go boating and fishing on Lake Tillery. If you visit in the summer, there's an Olympic-sized swimming pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Just remember, swimming from the lake shore isn't allowed because of currents and hidden dangers.
Exploring Lake Tillery
Lake Tillery was created in 1928 when the Tillery Dam was built. It's part of the Uwharrie River and Pee Dee River system. Morrow Mountain State Park has a boat launch, a picnic area by the water, and a fishing pier. You can rent canoes from The Boathouse during the summer. In spring and fall, rentals are available on weekends. The Boathouse also sells snacks, drinks, ice, and bait.
The Historic Kron House
At the base of Fall Mountain, you can visit a reconstructed historic house. This was once the home of Dr. Francis Kron, a famous doctor and plant expert. Dr. Kron was born in Prussia and moved to America in 1823. He was known for traveling far and wide to help sick people. He practiced medicine until he was over 80 years old!
Dr. Kron also loved plants and did many experiments with them. A Japanese Chestnut tree he planted still grows there today. His home, doctor's office, and greenhouse look much like they did in 1870. The park rebuilt his house in the 1960s, and you can take tours to learn more about his life.
Camping Adventures
Morrow Mountain has several places to camp, so you can stay overnight and enjoy nature.
- Family Camping: There are three areas for tents, RVs, and trailers. Some spots have electricity, and six are made for people with disabilities.
- Group Campsites: Six sites are available for groups of up to 35 campers. They are on a hill near Lake Tillery.
- Remote Primitive Campsites: For a more rugged experience, these sites are about a two-mile hike in. They have no running water, and you must carry everything in and out, including your trash. Fire rings were recently added for campfires.
- Cabins: Six cozy cabins are located near the park office. One cabin is accessible for people with disabilities. They have kitchens with stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators. They also have fireplaces and screened porches with rocking chairs. You just need to bring your own bedding and towels. Each cabin has two bedrooms with twin beds, and a futon in the living room for extra sleeping space.
The Uwharries Museum
There's a small museum at the park that tells the story of the Uwharrie Mountains. You can learn about Native Americans, local plants and animals, early explorers, and different rocks and minerals. It's open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, and you can explore it on your own.
Hiking Trails for Everyone
Morrow Mountain State Park has over 32 miles (51 km) of trails, making it a popular spot for hikers. All trails are marked with special blazes (symbols). Double blazes mean the trail is about to change direction sharply.
- Backpack Trail: This 2-mile (3.2 km) trail leads to the primitive campsites. It's an easy hike.
- Bridle Trail: This trail is for horses, but hikers can use it too! It has 16 miles (26 km) of paths. There are different loops: a Short Loop (3.9-mile (6.3 km)), a Middle Loop (5.5 miles (8.9 km)), and a Long Loop (9.3-mile (15.0 km)). There's also a short section called Duck Blind Cove Spur Trail.
- Campground and Pool Trail: This 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail connects the pool, camp office, and family campgrounds. It's mostly in the woods.
- Hattaway Mountain Trail: This 2-mile (3.2 km) loop is a tough hike. It goes straight up Hattaway Mountain, offering great views in the fall. You might even see some quartz rocks!
- Fall Mountain Trail: This 4.1-mile (6.6 km) trail goes around Fall Mountain. It's a moderate climb, then a steep path down to Lake Tillery. You'll walk along the lake's edge.
- Laurel Trail: A short 0.6 miles (0.97 km) loop that goes through deep forest. It's a favorite for kids and connects to the Morrow Mountain Trail.
- Morrow Mountain Trail: This 2.6-mile (4.2 km) trail is the most popular. It goes from the camp office all the way to the Mountain Loop Trail at the overlook. It's a good climb and takes you through beautiful plants.
- Mountain Loop Trail: This 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail circles the very top of Morrow Mountain. It offers some of the best views in the park, looking down into the valleys.
- Quarry Trail: A 0.6-mile (0.97 km) trail that goes around the picnic area and into an old rock quarry. You can see where rocks were mined long ago.
- Rocks Trail: Many people think this 1.3-mile (2.1 km) trail is the most scenic. It winds through rolling hills and ends at a huge rock formation by Lake Tillery. The view of the lake from here is famous!
- Sugarloaf Mountain Trail: This is the hardest trail in the park, a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) loop. It has many winding hills. From the top, you get amazing views on a clear day.
- Three Rivers Trail: This 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail is considered the park's nature trail. It goes through marshes and woods, showing off different parts of the park's ecosystem.
Park Expansion and Wildlife
Morrow Mountain State Park has grown bigger in recent years. In 2018 and 2019, it added more land along Mountain Creek. This area is special because it has old hardwood forests and rare animals. You might find endangered mussels like the Carolina creekshell and even timber rattlesnakes living there.
Weather Events at the Park
Morrow Mountain State Park has sometimes closed due to severe weather.
- In 1989, the park closed for two weeks after Hurricane Hugo.
- Hurricane Fran in 1996 caused damage and kept parts of the park closed until January 1997.
- A big snowstorm in January 2000 closed the park for three months.
- An ice storm in December 2002 also closed parts of the park.
- In June 2013, a powerful storm called a derecho caused a lot of damage. A "microburst" (a strong downdraft of wind) hit the park hard. Many trees fell, and some buildings and cars were damaged. The park was closed for two months for cleanup and repairs, reopening in August 2013. Luckily, no one was hurt.
