The moderately difficult, 16-mile Kings Mountain Hiking Trail loop offers some gorgeous hiking through rolling hills and granite outcroppings not far from Charlotte. The site of a famous Revolutionary War battle, Kings Mountain National Military Park and the adjoining Kings Mountain State Park are popular destinations. The parks sit in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but they seem somewhat out-of-place with the area’s other gently rolling terrain. Small mountains called monadnocks jut above the surrounding flatland and offer enjoyable views. The trail itself winds through hardwood forest and along a stream toward the Kings Mountain battlefield, passing a fire tower and horse trail on two occasions.