Morrow Mountain State Park

The first medical doctor in the southern piedmont of North Carolina, Prussian-born Dr. Kron-who immigrated to the United States in 1823-settled in an area that is today part of Morrow Mountain State Park. His homestead, infirmary, office and greenhouse were rebuilt in the 1960s and appear much as they did back in 1870. They serve as North Carolina's Morrow Mountain State Park's 4,752-acre interpretive center.

The area offers a boat launch for easy access to Lake Tillery and the Pee-Dee River, which border the park to the east. Boats can be rented through most of the summer here, and fishing is a very popular activity. If history is your passion, consider the fact that archeologists have uncovered artifacts that indicate Native Americans lived in this area nearly 10,000 years before Europeans discovered America. Expect gentle mountain slopes that traverse a variety of streams, as well as lakeside views mixed with pine and hardwoods. Take the hike to the top of Morrow Mountain and you'll be treated with a wonderful view of the river as it winds through a mix of farmland and forest.

For RV enthusiasts there are 106 camping sites and a dump station at the campground. There is no maximum length trailer allowed, but none of the sites have electric hookups. Tent camping is also available and potable water and flush toilets are found on the grounds. To get there, take State Route 24 from Charlotte and stay straight onto State Route 740. At Morrow Mountain Road, which comes up in about 3 miles, turn right. In all, it's roughly 35 miles east of Charlotte. Facilities at each campsite include a table and barbecue grill.

There's a wide variety of water-based recreation available in the area, too. If you're into fishing, you have a chance of catching largemouth, white or striped bass here, as well as catfish, crappie, perch and bluegill. If you want to go light and leave the tent behind, consider renting one of the rustic cabins for a week. Sixteen miles of bridle trails crisscross the park, although there are no facilities for camping overnight with your horses. There's a boat launch at the park, and from June to Labor Day canoes and rowboats can also be rented. There are more than 15 miles of hiking trails and you can also backpack the 2 miles into a remote camping area. The park has a swimming pool that's open from June to Labor Day.

This is one of the most unusual, and colorfully historic camping areas managed by the North Carolina Division of Park and Recreation. Its close proximity to Charlotte makes it an ideal destination for families and the facilities make it even more attractive.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds and get away from it all, Morrow Mountain is one of the best places in North Carolina. Here you can wet a line, get on a horse, backpack away from established campsites and savor Carolina's history and outdoors as they were meant to be enjoyed.

For more information or to reserve a campsite or one of the cabins, contact the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation by calling (704) 982-4402.