Conquering the Backside Trail at Crowders Mountain with Simba!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, back with another epic adventure from the road.

This time, Simba (my golden retriever and fearless hiking buddy) and I took on the Backside Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina — and let me tell you, this short but intense hike was no joke!

🏞 Tackling the Backside Trail

The Backside Trail is a well-known route in Crowders Mountain State Park, famous for its steep staircase climb that takes you straight up to breathtaking summit views. While the trail itself is only about 0.9 miles one way, don’t let the short distance fool you — it’s rated strenuous for a reason.

As Simba and I made our way up the steep wooden stairs (over 330 steps!), we both got a serious workout. But wow, was it worth it. The summit offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and even the distant Charlotte skyline on a clear day.

🐾 Hiking with a Dog: How Simba Handled It

Simba absolutely crushed this hike. Golden retrievers are energetic by nature, but I was still impressed with how he powered up the stairs like a champ.

Here are a few dog-friendly hiking tips we picked up along the way:

✔️ Bring water + a portable bowl — the climb is steep and can get hot, so keep your pup hydrated.
✔️ Leash up + take breaks — especially on the stairs, it’s important to pause, rest, and let your dog catch their breath.
✔️ Watch the paws — the rocky sections near the top can be a little rough on sensitive pads.
✔️ Celebrate at the summit! — Simba loved the cool breeze and the views as much as I did.

🚐 RV Traveler Notes

If you’re an RVer visiting Crowders Mountain, the park has convenient parking areas, but no overnight RV camping — so plan to stay nearby. There are several RV parks and campgrounds within a short drive, making it easy to set up a base camp and spend a day (or two!) exploring the park’s trails.

🎥 Watch Our Full Adventure

In our latest video, you can follow Simba and me as we take on the Backside Trail, tackle the infamous stairs, and soak in those summit views.

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Why This Hike is a Must-Do

✔️ Epic summit views — totally worth the climb.
✔️ Dog-friendly (if your pup is up for a challenge!).
✔️ Quick but intense — perfect for a half-day adventure.
✔️ A local favorite — one of the best hikes near Kings Mountain.

Thanks for coming along on another adventure! Simba and I are crisscrossing the country, searching for the best trails, campgrounds, and dog-friendly destinations. Got a favorite tough hike or hidden gem we should check out? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾💪🌄