Turn this stunning view into your next weekend getaway!
While it is true that western North Carolina is home to some of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi, did you know that there are also mountains in the Piedmont region? Gaston County’s Crowders Mountain State Park offers stunning views as it towers over the surrounding flat land like the skyscrapers only minutes down the road in uptown Charlotte.
Turn a hike into a weekend getaway by coupling it with other adventures in the area. Crowders Mountain State Park - come for the view, stay for the craft beverages.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park offers easy and challenging hikes however, if you want the satisfaction that comes from hiking to the top, scoring a spectacular view, you will have to put in the work, and be ready for a strenuous hike.
This park offers eleven trails in total which vary from pastoral to rugged, lending itself to rock climbing and bouldering. Most of the trails run completely under a canopy of trees and there is also a small lake with a flat nature trail running its perimeter.
After your hike, meet us along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail, where you can make memories by sharing stories of your experience that day.
The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail
Veronét Vineyards
Pack a lunch and some blankets and head to Veronét Vineyards and Winery located only minutes from Crowders Mountain. This 70-acre estate offers stunning views of Crowders Mountain. The main building has an open floor plan with large glass doors that open to the outdoors, two bars, a private tasting room, and an impressive 70-foot patio with tables and fire pits.
For families there is a selection of lawn games for the kids as well as complimentary goldfish crackers and juice boxes. Fur babies (dogs) are also welcome and treated to complimentary dog cookies and water bowl.
Not into wine?
Come for the view or skip it and check out either Cavendish Brewery or Ole Dallas Brewery also located along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail.
Cavendish Brewery in Gastonia
This one of a kind brewery is located just outside of the heart of historic downtown Gastonia, creates award winning beers that are worth the visit. Cavendish is located in a refurbished Studebaker dealership and has a steampunk atmosphere. Visitors can chill on comfortable couches or play board games, Jenga, pool, and even Wii or XBox, Cavendish also bakes artisan pizza from the taproom kitchen. Check their website for a list of events.
Ole Dallas Brewery
Located further down the road in the town of Dallas is a small craft microbrewery, that is both family and pet-friendly. Check the schedule before your visit and you may get a chance to see live wrestling held on the outdoor stage.
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These are but three of 10 stops along The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail. Other venues include more breweries, a rum distillery and another winery. Each locations offers a unique ambiance and a relaxed setting with fantastic hand crafted beverages. The ones listed in this story were selected only because of their proximity to Crowders Mountain State Park. Check our website for other great adventures along the Ridgetline Craft Beverage Trail.
Crowders Mountain State Park, come for the view, stay for the beverages.