One of the Charlotte region’s largest parks is getting even bigger. Nearly 600 acres surrounding Kings Mountain State Park are now protected and expected to eventually become part of the park.
The Open Space Institute acquired 589 acres in northwestern York County, near Clover and about 40 miles west of Charlotte.
The nonprofit purchased most of the property in June for $4.9 million. It plans to eventually transfer the land to South Carolina’s state park system.
Kings Mountain State Park already covers nearly 6,900 acres, making it South Carolina’s fifth-largest state park.
It also connects with the 4,000-acre Kings Mountain National Military Park, creating an extensive protected area along the Carolinas border.
The new property includes forests, pastures, wetlands and streams. Once incorporated, it could support hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing.
The 589-acre addition is larger than several other state parks around the Rock Hill region.
Much of the property was previously identified as a high-priority conservation area. The Open Space Institute also protected another 50 acres near the park in 2024.
Kings Mountain has attracted visitors for nearly a century. The neighboring national park commemorates the pivotal 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain.
