Volcanic activity and South Carolina? You heard us right. In fact, there’s an entire world of active volcanoes right here in South Carolina, that are open to the public for exploration — and some pretty epic adventures, too! According to the National Park Service, Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg is an active volcano in South Carolina that has quite a history, and you can learn about it when you visit!
But don’t worry, the volcanoes aren’t still “active” in the scientific sense, meaning you won’t have to worry about stepping in hot lava while you explore. But it sure is fun to pretend there’s an active volcano in South Carolina, because there is! Kind of. Let’s take a look.
Kings Mountain National Military Park is located near Blacksburg, South Carolina, along the North Carolina border and adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Evidence leads geologists to suggest that this mountain, referred to as a monadock, is part of an “arc” of volcanoes that occurred along shifting tectonic plates.
Google Maps [enhanced]
The monadock known as Kings Mounain National Military Park formed about 650 million to 600 million years ago.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This explains some of the different rocks you’ll find at the park, many of which appear, well, volcanic. They’re jet black and kind of stick out from the rest of the forest foliage.
Facebook/Kings Mountain National Military Park
Go ahead and wander around at this picturesque park. While you’re there, be sure to check out the park’s monument to the significant revolutionary war battle fought here, literally hundreds of millions of years after this spot erupted in a totally different way.
Facebook/Kings Mountain National Military Park
Kings Mountain National Military Park is lovely all year round, whether you visit during spring’s splendor, the shining days of summer, colorful fall, or the quiet of winter.
Nick and Silke Jager/Google Local This park encourages contemplation and wonder, whenever you visit.
A few things of note: Kings Mountain National Military Park is separate from Kings Mountain State Park.
Nick and Silke Jager/Google Local For starters, admission to the Military Park in this article is free. But if you want to explore the state park while you’re in the area, admission is only a few dollars per person, and it’s well worth it. As a bonus, even though Kings Mountain State Park wasn’t included in National Park’s geological report, it’s literally right next door, and likely has a volcanic history all its own.
If you’d like to read the National Park Service’s 42-page geological report about Kings Mountain National Military Park, then you’ll find it at this link.
Have you been to this National Military Park in South Carolina? Did you know there used to be an active volcano at this location and it may have a dormant volcano arc?
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Google Maps [enhanced]
Facebook/Kings Mountain National Military Park
Nick and Silke Jager/Google Local
This park encourages contemplation and wonder, whenever you visit.
For starters, admission to the Military Park in this article is free. But if you want to explore the state park while you’re in the area, admission is only a few dollars per person, and it’s well worth it. As a bonus, even though Kings Mountain State Park wasn’t included in National Park’s geological report, it’s literally right next door, and likely has a volcanic history all its own.
If you’d like to read the National Park Service’s 42-page geological report about Kings Mountain National Military Park, then you’ll find it at this link.
And you’re up for more adventure in The Palmetto State, you should try The Unrivaled Canyon Hike Everyone In South Carolina Should Take At Least Once.
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Address: Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Active Volcano In South Carolina March 04, 2021 Sarah In addition to Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina, what are some unique parks in the state? South Carolina is home to so many wonderful parks that each offer a unique and fun experience. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee near Salem, South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park certainly stands out from the pack. Lake Jocassee is a man-made reservoir nestled in a canyon, that’s known for its pristine water. Much of it comes from springs, so not only is it clear, it’s also cooler than most lakes in The Palmetto State. In all, the lake is 7,500 acres and some spots are 300-feet deep. The campgrounds are carved into the natural landscape with tent sites that have been leveled and filled with soft earth and sand, for an up-close experience with nature that’s absolutely sublime. Lake Jocassee is one of the very best and most unique parks in the state, and a must if you’re into camping. What are some little-known places in South Carolina? South Carolina may not the biggest state in the United States, but there are more hidden gems in South Carolina than anyone could know. But we sure try! The ACE River Basin (an acronym for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers) is some 1.1 million acres of low islands separated by small rivers, marshes, swamps, and creeks. Then there’s Ovis Hill Farm in Timmonsville, a working sheep ranch, farmers market, and family-friendly destination with seasonal festivals where you can churn your own butter, paint your own gourd for bird nests, see sheep shearing, and learn to make your own yarn. Who could be expected that this pastoral delight was right here in South Carolina? What are some must-visit state parks in South Carolina? Caesars Head State Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quintessential “park” experience with all.the.outdoor.recreation options. This state park covers over 7,000 acres, has five waterfalls, loads of hiking trails, fishing, and breathtaking camping. Read about more of our favorite state parks in this article. Hunting Island State Park is peak South Carolina; part of the ACE River Basin, this beautiful park is also home to a lighthouse, loggerhead turtles, myriad bird species, and lots of other types of wildlife. It’s the most visited state park in South Carolina, and it’s incredible.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Active Volcano In South Carolina
March 04, 2021
Sarah
In addition to Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina, what are some unique parks in the state? South Carolina is home to so many wonderful parks that each offer a unique and fun experience. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee near Salem, South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park certainly stands out from the pack. Lake Jocassee is a man-made reservoir nestled in a canyon, that’s known for its pristine water. Much of it comes from springs, so not only is it clear, it’s also cooler than most lakes in The Palmetto State. In all, the lake is 7,500 acres and some spots are 300-feet deep. The campgrounds are carved into the natural landscape with tent sites that have been leveled and filled with soft earth and sand, for an up-close experience with nature that’s absolutely sublime. Lake Jocassee is one of the very best and most unique parks in the state, and a must if you’re into camping. What are some little-known places in South Carolina? South Carolina may not the biggest state in the United States, but there are more hidden gems in South Carolina than anyone could know. But we sure try! The ACE River Basin (an acronym for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers) is some 1.1 million acres of low islands separated by small rivers, marshes, swamps, and creeks. Then there’s Ovis Hill Farm in Timmonsville, a working sheep ranch, farmers market, and family-friendly destination with seasonal festivals where you can churn your own butter, paint your own gourd for bird nests, see sheep shearing, and learn to make your own yarn. Who could be expected that this pastoral delight was right here in South Carolina? What are some must-visit state parks in South Carolina? Caesars Head State Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quintessential “park” experience with all.the.outdoor.recreation options. This state park covers over 7,000 acres, has five waterfalls, loads of hiking trails, fishing, and breathtaking camping. Read about more of our favorite state parks in this article. Hunting Island State Park is peak South Carolina; part of the ACE River Basin, this beautiful park is also home to a lighthouse, loggerhead turtles, myriad bird species, and lots of other types of wildlife. It’s the most visited state park in South Carolina, and it’s incredible.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Carolina is home to so many wonderful parks that each offer a unique and fun experience. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee near Salem, South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park certainly stands out from the pack. Lake Jocassee is a man-made reservoir nestled in a canyon, that’s known for its pristine water. Much of it comes from springs, so not only is it clear, it’s also cooler than most lakes in The Palmetto State. In all, the lake is 7,500 acres and some spots are 300-feet deep. The campgrounds are carved into the natural landscape with tent sites that have been leveled and filled with soft earth and sand, for an up-close experience with nature that’s absolutely sublime. Lake Jocassee is one of the very best and most unique parks in the state, and a must if you’re into camping.
What are some little-known places in South Carolina?
South Carolina may not the biggest state in the United States, but there are more hidden gems in South Carolina than anyone could know. But we sure try! The ACE River Basin (an acronym for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers) is some 1.1 million acres of low islands separated by small rivers, marshes, swamps, and creeks. Then there’s Ovis Hill Farm in Timmonsville, a working sheep ranch, farmers market, and family-friendly destination with seasonal festivals where you can churn your own butter, paint your own gourd for bird nests, see sheep shearing, and learn to make your own yarn. Who could be expected that this pastoral delight was right here in South Carolina?
What are some must-visit state parks in South Carolina?
Caesars Head State Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quintessential “park” experience with all.the.outdoor.recreation options. This state park covers over 7,000 acres, has five waterfalls, loads of hiking trails, fishing, and breathtaking camping. Read about more of our favorite state parks in this article. Hunting Island State Park is peak South Carolina; part of the ACE River Basin, this beautiful park is also home to a lighthouse, loggerhead turtles, myriad bird species, and lots of other types of wildlife. It’s the most visited state park in South Carolina, and it’s incredible.
