As the warm summer months approach and vacation plans take shape, Morrow Mountain State Park in North Carolina stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into camping, hiking, boating, or horseback riding, Morrow Mountain has something for everyone. With the recent completion of renovations and improvements, the park is more accessible and welcoming than ever before.
Located in Stanly County, the 5,881-acre Morrow Mountain State Park within the Uwharrie Mountains is a beloved destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. As part of a significant renovation effort funded by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, Timmons Group worked with Huffman Architects to enhance the park’s accessibility and meet compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The primary goal of this extensive renovation was to make the park more accessible to all visitors, regardless of physical ability. The renovations included providing ADA compliance for parking areas, cabins, and the summit. Given the park’s expansive landscape, including multiple sites such as Loop A, Loop B, and Loop C, this project required meticulous planning and execution.
Loops A and B underwent complete overhauls, where only a few walls from the original structures remained. Working with Huffman Architects, Timmons Group carried out thorough renovations and site work, encompassing parking, sidewalks, ramps, and stairs. The focus was on making these areas accessible and user-friendly, ensuring everyone could enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
In Loop C, a new bathhouse was constructed, featuring accessible parking and sidewalks. An essential aspect of this renovation was incorporating the park’s famous argillite stone, a bluish-green stone found throughout the park. This stone holds significant historical and cultural value, having been used by the early indigenous peoples of the region to craft tools. By integrating argillite into the design, the project pays homage to the park’s rich history.
The park features eight new camper cabins, two of which are fully accessible. These cabins, tucked away in the woods, offer a modern “glamping” experience with air conditioning and heat, providing a cozy retreat for visitors who want to stay connected while enjoying nature.
One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation is the accessibility improvements at the summit, the park’s most popular destination. Thanks to the newly added accessible walkway and picnic pads constructed with natural argillite stone, visitors can drive to the top of the mountain and enjoy the incredible views. This update transforms the summit into a more inclusive space, allowing everyone to experience its breathtaking beauty.
Other notable improvements include the renovation of the park’s pool, the addition of a new splash pad, upgrades to the family cabins, and new and renovated hiking and bridle trails. These enhancements aim to provide a better overall experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The renovation of Morrow Mountain State Park has been a collaborative effort that spanned over two years. Timmons Group provided a range of services, including landscape architecture, survey, and construction administration services. From the project’s inception to its completion, the team was dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of the renovation was executed to the highest standards.
At the Morrow Mountain State Park reopening celebration, attendees explored the new and upgraded facilities and learned about the park’s rich history dating back 11,000 years according to Friends of Morrow Mountain State Park. Most importantly, the event underscored the park’s significance to North Carolinians who have cherished it for generations. By enhancing Morrow Mountain, we hope to inspire a new generation of visitors to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of North Carolina.
For more information about our landscape architecture projects and commitment to accessibility, visit our website.
