Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a Revolutionary War battle and a huge victory for the American Colonists. The battlefield is also part of the Overmountain Victory Trail, a National Historic Trail memorializing the Battle at Kings Mountain. It is an incredible story of Colonist soldiers from Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina hiking over 300 miles to defeat an infamous British General at Kings Mountain. The battle at Cowpens was one step on the way to a decisive victory for the Colonists at Kings Mountain.
The battlefield includes ~4.5 miles of trails with little to no elevation gain, including 2 loops and multiple spur trails leading to historical wayside exhibits and memorials. The Nature Trail is natural surface, while the Battlefield Trail and most spurs are either paved or gravel.
The Visitor Center (found at the main parking lot) has lots of information on the trails, in addition to the history of the battlefield for curious and history-minded users.
See the table below for more information in comparison to what you might find on other trails in Rutherford County and Western NC:
WHERE: 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341
DIRECTIONS: From Rutherfordton, follow US-221S to State Rd S-11-146. Turn left, then left again at Dillon St. After 2 miles, turn left onto US-221A Hwy N, then a quick right onto Cowpens Rd. The Visitor Center and parking lot will be on your left.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Always tuck rain gear into your backpack and bring along layers of clothes.
