Nanny's Mountain

Today's word of the day: Monadnock. According to Wikipedia, it's "an isolated rock hill, knob, ridge, or small mountain that rises abruptly from a gently sloping or virtually level surrounding plain." Want to see one nearby and take in a nice hike? Head down I-49 South, about 45 minutes from Uptown, to Nanny's Mountain in York, SC.

Nanny's Mountain, technically a monadnock, reaches an elevation of 981 feet above sea level, plenty high enough for impressive views of Lake Wylie and the surrounding area. You might even catch a glimpse of Uptown Charlotte on a clear day.

The 2-mile, out-and-back, gravel trail that winds its way to the peak and then around the mountainside is perfect for an easy stroll. What's more, it's a location of historical significance. During the American Revolutionary War, iron was mined from the mountain to produce cannon balls, swords and other goods. You can still see one of two open-air iron ore pits that are visible along the trail. This pit, which is well marked, is approximately 100 yards from the trailhead on your left.

Less than a quarter-mile farther up the trail is a fork. Going straight will take you about 200 yards to the summit and a pavilion. Taking a right will lead you on a mountainside trail about three-quarters of a mile to the end. I recommend packing snacks or lunch for a stop at the picnic table at the turnaround point.

Nanny's Mountain makes for a fun little outing. It's an easy hike to tackle for young kids or grown-ups interested in a peaceful stroll with a bit of a view.


Nanny's Mountain is maintained by York County Parks. Note, there are no restrooms at Nanny's Mountain, so plan accordingly.

How to get there

Nanny's Mountain doesn't have a postal address (the GPS coordinates are 35.074737, -81.104679). From Uptown Charlotte, take NC 49 South past the South Carolina state line. In a little over 9 miles, turn left onto SC-274/SC-49 S. In two miles, turn right onto Charlotte Highway. In one mile, turn left onto W. Liberty Hill Rd. The trail entrance is straight ahead, marked with a Nanny's Mountain sign. A gravel parking lot is just past the entrance on the left.

Don't forget to pack

• Water: Stay hydrated! There are no restroom facilities to refill, so plan accordingly.
• Comfortable shoes: The terrain is mostly gravel with a gradual climb.
• Snacks or a picnic lunch: There's a great picnic table for a refueling stop at the mid-way point of the out-and-back trail.
• Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses: The trail is only partially shaded.