The Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780 was a decisive Patriot victory that Thomas Jefferson later called the turning point of the American Revolution in the South. A force of Patriot militiamen surrounded a Loyalist force under Major Patrick Ferguson on the ridge and destroyed it in about 65 minutes.
The 1.5-mile battlefield loop trail climbs the ridge through hardwood forest and follows the battle line with interpretive markers at key positions. The visitor center has excellent exhibits on the battle and the broader context of the Southern Campaign. Free admission as a National Park Service site.