History and nature merge at an underrated National Military Park in South Carolina that marks the site of a major victory for the Patriots against the Loyalists in the American Revolution. While a visit here is a must for history lovers, those who love nature and are particularly intrigued by volcanoes may find a feature that’s hidden in plain sight in this park positively fascinating.

Located in Blacksburg and just inside the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, Kings Mountain National Military Park always offers free admission and is an ideal destination for a day trip.
Google Local/Nick and Silke Jager
While most people come to view the 83-foot-tall monument commemorating the battle, there's another can't-miss feature at this national park unit.
Google Local/Kylie Monet
It's found along the 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail.
alltrails/Melissa Green
The hike begins at the Visitor's Center and loops around the battlefield where the Patriots were positioned and ends up at the top of the knoll where the Loyalists dug in for the ensuing battle.

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The trail is a lovely walk and has some steep moments as it ascends to the hilltop.
allttrails/Wade Parker
There's much to admire on this nature hike, but it's the large groupings of volcanic rock that catch the eyes of most visitors.
TripAdvisor/MotherHiker
Scientists believe the volcanic rock dates as far back as 600 million years.
It's also believed that it was pushed up to the earth's surface during some tectonic plate activity during the Paleozoic era (from 541 to 251 million years ago).
Google Local/Ali al khalass
If you never thought you'd see stark evidence of volcanoes here in South Carolina, then you'll be pleasantly surprised by this little-known evidence hiding in plain sight.
While you're visiting the park, be sure to stop by the Visitor's Center.
Google Local/Dennis Brooks
Check the center's hours of operation at this link.

If you’re a volcano or even a geology nerd, you can read all about the geology of this national park in this 42 page geology report from the National Park Service.

Want to visit other underappreciated spots in the Palmetto State? Here are 17 Little Known Places In South Carolina Only The Locals Know About.

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Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702, USA