Fall Mountain Trail

Morrow Mountain State Park is often overlooked for its bigger cousin next door, Uwharrie National Forest. But this accessible park, with a lake, family-friendly trails and lots of shade is a great place to visit. For more information, visit the park's website.The Fall Mountain Trail is 4.1 miles and begins at the lake access area where you can park and picnic. There is a well-maintained boathouse where they sell boats and rent ice cream, or maybe it's the other way around. There is no swimming allowed here, as the bottom drops away steeply. There is a nice pool in the park, though, which is great for a cool dip after your hike. ($5 per person).Anyway, the trail starts with a level route along the lake. You'll be following orange triangle blazes the whole way. After crossing a small bridge, the trail turns away from the lake and begins to climb through the forest. It is shaded the whole way (perfect for summer), and you'll get just a few peeks through the trees of the mountains across the valley. You'll reach a rocky area and a switchback to the left, then climb the ridge to the -for lack of a better word- summit. This spot doesn't provide a commanding view so much as a nice place to stop for a snack. The trail widens and descends the other side of the hill. A sign will tell you to go left at a fork and it's all downhill from here. Keep looking to your right and you'll see the old Kron family cemetery in the woods. A small side trail will lead you there and beyond, to the restored Kron House, a place with a few interesting stories to tell.Back on the trail, though, it's easy hiking, with one creek crossing, back to the ice cream - I mean parking lot.To download a map that will show you all the features of the state park and is also available at the very informative visitor center, click here.