With its sheer vertical cliffs ranging from 100 to 150 feet, Crowders Mountain is a favorite of hikers and experienced rock climbers.

The mountain and adjacent Kings Pinnacle rise 800 feet above the surrounding countryside, offering captivating views of Gaston County.

Nearly 10 miles of hiking trails range from easy promenades through pastoral surroundings to strenuous hikes to the Crowder summit. A gravel trail makes a loop around the park's nine-acre lake, and work is under way to make portions of it wheelchair-accessible. The eight trails vary in length from .3 miles to three miles.

Canoes may be rented for paddling in the lake, where anglers cast for bass and bream. There is a wheelchair-accessible pier. Swimming and private boats are not permitted.

More than 160 species of birds, including waterfowl, wading birds, hawks, owls and woodpeckers have been recorded in the park. Black and turkey vultures are permanent residents, roosting in the isolated rock outcrops near the mountain peaks.

Rangers offer regularly scheduled interpretive programs.

Backcountry camping is a permitted in two secluded areas located about one mile from the park office. Both campgrounds are reached by trail.