Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area — Attraction in Taylorsville

Rocky Face Mountain Recreation area is located about an hour and 15 minutes from Charlotte.

If you are looking for a really intense hiking challenge and you like the feel of glutes and calves on fire...this one's for you...it's a doozy!

In order to complete the vertical mile, you have to hike (8) approx 2 mile laps--part of which is on a 20-30 grade mountain, lovingly referred to as 'Stairway to Heaven'!

Going back down the mountain is not so bad, but those climbs up are brutal! A big part of the challenge--other than the physical stamina and endurance needed--is the mental fortitude required to talk yourself into completing additional laps on the same trail you just completed--especially when you already know what's in store with the climbing aspect. The views are so-so, and certainly don't compare to Western NC, but there are other connecting trails if you want to add on miles or skip the challenge

If you complete the vertical mile challenge, you get a T-shirt and become an honorary member of the vertical mile club. I finally accomplished this on my second visit. It took about 6.5 hours.

There is also a playground, rock climbing options and a picnic area. Great little spot to go hiking if you're from Charlotte and want something different from Crowder's but...

A Perfect Family Adventure at Rocky Face Mountain Park!

Our visit to Rocky Face Mountain Park was absolutely fantastic! My four boys had the time of their lives exploring everything this hidden gem has to offer. From the moment we arrived, they were drawn to the sandy play area, where they could dig, build, and just be kids. The slide was a huge hit, providing endless fun and laughter. But what truly made their day was the rocky climbing areas—perfect for little adventurers who love to explore and challenge themselves!

The trails were breathtaking, offering a mix of easy walks and more adventurous hikes, all surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Whether we were walking through the woods or taking in the views from the top, every part of the park felt like a new adventure.

This park is a must-visit for families looking for a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. It’s well-maintained, peaceful, and offers something for everyone. We can’t wait to come back for another day of exploring and making memories!...

We went to Rocky Face Mountain in Alexander County North Carolina today. Rocky Face has several hiking trails but is well known in this area for the Vertical Mile Challenge trail (VMC). The VMC is 2.2-mile loop that gains approximately 660 feet in elevation. Once a hiker completes the loop 8 times, that hiker will have gained 1 mile in elevation and will be able to get the Vertical Mile T-shirt from the park. There are also T-shirts for 5 and 10 vertical miles. The park has a nice picnic shelter with restrooms as well as uncovered picnic tables. There is a paved walkway close to the picnic area. The VMC trail is difficult. There can be some really slippery spots when the trail is wet. Part of the trail is within wooded areas, but a good portion of the trail involves climbing up a rock face to the top of the mountain. There is also a designated primitive camping area that requires registration. There are also places for rock climbing or repelling (approx. 50-60 feet) which also requires registration with...