Cowpens Battlefield Trail
An easy walk over the open field where Morgan set his trap.
Cowpens and Kings Mountain
Two Patriot victories in the Carolina backcountry that turned the war's Southern campaign and led to Yorktown.
Damage from Hurricane Helene remains on some trails, including hanging limbs and washouts. Take care.Checked November 2, 2026 · Latest
The war in the South was brutal and often neighbor against neighbor. At Kings Mountain in October 1780, frontier militia surrounded and destroyed a Loyalist force. At Cowpens in January 1781, Daniel Morgan's clever double envelopment wrecked the British Legion. Cornwallis marched north, toward Yorktown.
The two parks are about 45 minutes apart, and both have easy woodland trails.
- Best Time
- March–May and September–November
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Most days; check the park websites
- Getting There
- About an hour by car from Greenville or Charlotte.
What to See
3 of 3 are freeKings Mountain Battlefield Trail
A paved loop around the ridge the Loyalists tried to hold.
Guilford Courthouse
The hard-fought battle in 1781 that cost Cornwallis a quarter of his army.
Know Before You Go
- Both parks are small and quiet; check hours at nps.gov/cowp and nps.gov/kimo.
Where to Stay
Stay in Greenville, South Carolina, or Charlotte.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southeast list.