Kings Mountain National Military Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 9:00–17:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-24 to 2026-12-18; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

Thomas Jefferson called it "The turn of the tide of success." The battle of Kings Mountain, fought October 7th, 1780, was an important American victory during the Revolutionary War. The battle was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780. The park preserves the site of this important battle.

Official facts

Public access: Restricted access.

Protected area: 4,111 acres (1,664 ha).

Designation: National Military Park. Listed as "Kings Mountain National Military Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity, natural processes allowed (GAP 1). IUCN category III.

Established: 1931.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

Shows and experiences

• Junior Ranger program
• Ranger & guided programs

Events

• Anniversary Weekend
• Lantern Tours
• Battle Anniversary
• Howser House Open House

Before you go

First aid

In-park (mapped location) — First aid station marked on the park map. Confirm the current location with any team member on arrival.

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

Park alert: America the Beautiful Passes Temporary Unavailable

At this time all sales of America the Beautiful Passes are temporary unavailable. Please check https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes for locations. We will advise when passes are available for sale. We apologize for any inconvenience.

⚠ Caution: Park Wide Caution

Visitors should exercise caution when hiking areas of the park. Hazards on trails and in forested areas such as hanging tree limbs, debris on the ground, and washed-out sections of trails and bridges are possible.

Getting there

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

Weather & when to go

Temperatures for the area range from very hot and humid in the summer to cool and moderate in the winter.

Visitor center

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Visitor center

Kings Mountain National Military Park

Visitor center

Kings Mountain National Military Park — The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Sunday 9 am - 5 pm Park Grounds (trails, parking lot and restrooms) are open daily from 9 am - 5 pm.

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 1 changing table, 1 defibrillator, 1 first aid station, 2 restroom, 3 visitor information.

History

Opened

1931

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status

• Park opened