Even soaking wet, this stuff will light. As we descended, we moved into mixed hardwoods, with spindly post and blackjack oaks and a stand of native cane. We crossed N.C. 161, where the park plans to put a station with rest rooms, for hikers coming from South Carolina. Beyond, the ridge turns north on its way to the Boulders area, locally called Buzzard's Roost. Car and truck-size boulders offer grandstand seats for sweeping views.
Turkey vultures ride the currents rising against the rocks.
It's just absolutely gorgeous. We completed the 4-mile hike 100 yards farther at Bethlehem Church Road. The addition continues to the S.C. line, where it meets Kings Mountain State Park. When the trail is finished, perhaps in 2002, hikers will be able to traverse 10 miles of existing and new trails, from the northern end of Crowders Mountain State Park to the S.C. line. There, they'll pick up a new spur trail in Kings Mountain State Park.