Three Rivers, Mountain Loop, and The Rocks Trails at Morrow Mountain State Park - Albemarle, NC
“Determine to live life with flair and laughter.” - Maya Angelou
“Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another.” - Kenny Ausubel
The Story -
On Sunday, Maria, Amelia, Alex, Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked six miles on a combination of trails at the Morrow Mountain State Park near Albemarle, NC. Maria is working in Charlotte for the summer and thankfully was able to join us for several hours in the afternoon. We opted for a location that would be convenient for her as well including a possible swimming option. Morrow Mountain State Park was a perfect choice!
Morrow Mountain State Park -
Morrow Mountain State Park was established in 1937 and lies in the Uwharrie Mountains of North Carolina’s southern piedmont near Albemarle, NC. The Uwharrie Mountains are over 585 million years old and once had peaks as high as 20,000 feet! The discovery of artifacts in the area attests to the presence of Native Americans 10,000 years before European settlement in the 1700s. The park offers a wide variety of trails totaling over twenty miles for novice and experienced hikers. You can stroll leisurely for half an hour along one of the park’s short loop trails or spend the day hiking some of the park’s longer and more challenging trails.
Spill The Tea -
We parked at the Lake Tillery Boathouse and started on the Three Rivers Trail which gets its name from the three rivers that converge across from the trail - the Uwharrie, Yadkin, and PeeDee Rivers. The path was mostly shaded from the scorching sun and it felt like a comfortable afternoon stroll in the woods. I was surprised by the number of downed trees and branches along the way, obviously the remnants of several storms in the area lately. We felt like the only people on the actual trail, perhaps due to the heat, but the lake was overflowing with boaters and people frolicking in the water - Our turn would come!
Add Some Cream and Sugar -
After completing the Three Rivers Trail, we walked up the main park road a short distance to the Mountain Loop Trail and the out-and-back Rocks Trail. After two miles of gently rolling hills along a valley, we came to the place the trail is named for, a rocky edge dropping straight down to the water twenty feet below, “The Rocks”. Amelia and Alex were the first to summon their inner courage and rock-scramble down the mountain to the spot where the rocks met the water. After some time, the rest of us joined them and proceeded to test the water. It was quite deep at the edge so we all took turns leaping from the rocks into the crisp water. The water was refreshing and it was easy to see why so many people were in the water, and not on the trail. We didn’t want to leave!
Wrap It Up -
Our hike at Morrow Mountain State Park was an excellent summer hike and an ideal option for those looking for a moderate hike with a cool water reward awaiting them at the end of a long, hot trek. I would highly recommend wearing your bathing suit and bringing a float or two. I will remember all the joy and the laughter we felt and experienced while plunging into the water together. I am sure you will too, give it a try!
Sassafras and Skinks