South Mountains (North Carolina) facts for kids
The South Mountains are an old and rugged mountain range in western North Carolina. They are like a smaller, separate part of the huge Appalachian Mountains that lie to their west. The Catawba River valley separates them from the main Appalachians.
This mountain range covers about 100,000 acres (400 square kilometers). You can find them in Burke, Cleveland, McDowell, and Rutherford counties. The South Mountains are the tallest and most rugged of the smaller mountain ranges found in North Carolina's Piedmont region. The highest point is called Buzzard Roost, which is 2,980 feet (908 meters) above sea level. These mountains are covered in thick Southeastern mixed forests. Over time, rivers and streams have worn away the land, creating narrow ridges and valleys.
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History of the South Mountains
Who Lived in the South Mountains?
Long ago, the Cherokee Indian tribe lived in the South Mountains. They were the first people to call this beautiful area home.
The Gold Rush in the Mountains
In the 1800s, something exciting happened: gold was found in the mountains! Many people, called prospectors, moved to the area hoping to get rich. They dug for gold, and by the early 1900s, when the mines closed, over $1 million worth of gold had been discovered. That was a lot of money back then!
Life in the Mountains Today
Today, not many people live in the South Mountains. There are no big towns or cities right in the area. The biggest nearby city is Morganton, North Carolina, which is about five miles north. Most of the land in the South Mountains is still owned by private people.
South Mountains State Park
How the Park Was Created
In 1973, the State of North Carolina bought a large piece of land in the South Mountains. They paid $1.5 million for 5,779 acres (23.4 square kilometers). Then, in 1975, the South Mountains State Park was officially created.
Exploring the Park Today
Today, the park is much bigger, covering 20,949 acres (84.78 square kilometers). It's a great place to visit! One of its most amazing features is High Shoals Falls. This waterfall drops over 80 feet down a steep cliff, forming a big, deep pool at the bottom.
Most of the park, like the rest of the South Mountains, is still wild and undeveloped. This means it's a true wilderness where nature thrives. Many rare and endangered plants grow within the park's borders. A botanist named Bill Moye worked hard to find and document these plants. His efforts helped the park grow to its current size.
Other Protected Areas Nearby
Right next to the state park, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission manages the South Mountain Game Land. This area covers another 22,575 acres in Burke, Cleveland, McDowell, and Rutherford counties.
Also, the Foothills Conservancy helps protect 1,906 acres in places like the South Mountains Headwaters and Cane Creek Meadows Preserves. They also manage smaller areas along the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. The nearby Bob's Creek State Natural Area in McDowell County protects an additional 3,700 acres. All these efforts help keep the South Mountains wild and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
