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North Carolina
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Heartland - Central Region
Medoc Mountain State Park
Medoc Mountain State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
Medoc Mountain State Park © bobistraveling / CC BY 2.0
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MEDOC MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
MEDOC MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
1540 Medoc State Park Road
Hollister, North Carolina   27844
(lat:36.2637 lon:-77.8874) map location

Phone: 252-586-6588
Medoc Mountain State Park is a 3,893-acre North Carolina state park in Halifax County, North Carolina in the United States. It is near Hollister, North Carolina in eastern North Carolina and includes the 325 foot peak Medoc Mountain.
Nature of the Area
Medoc Mountain is not really a mountain at all its highest point reaches an elevation of only 325 feet above sea level. It is, rather, the core of what was once a mighty range of mountains - Medoc Mountain is what remains after millions of years of erosion. The eroded peaks were formed by volcanic action during the Paleozoic Age, about 350 million years ago.

An elongated structure of biotite granite, Medoc Mountain has effectively routed the streams of the area around itself and has resisted the erosion typical of the surrounding lowlands. The park sits near the fall line, an area where the hard, resistant rocks of the foothills give way to the softer rocks and sediments of the coastal plain. The northern and western faces of Medoc Mountain have very steep slopes, dropping 160 feet over a distance of less than a quarter mile. Such rugged terrain is unusual for the eastern piedmont.
History of the Area
In 1970, citizens proposed the creation of a state park in the area. In 1972, the Division of Parks and Recreation surveyed a five-county area for a suitable site and recommended Medoc Mountain and the surrounding land. The Halifax Development Commission obtained a one-year option to purchase timber on the mountain from Union Camp, allowing the state time to acquire 2,300 acres of land to establish the park.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The scenic 12-acre Lake, Little Fishing Creek, is perfect for canoeing and kayaking with rentals available at the visitor center. Non-motorized boats are also allowed on this lake but must be launched from designated areas only. Additionally, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching largemouth bass and other species in these waters.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in Little Fishing Creek, known for its abundance of sunfish and catfish. The creek also hosts largemouth bass and bluegill. A valid North Carolina fishing license is required to fish here. There are no boat ramps available but small hand-carried crafts like kayaks or canoes may be used on the waterway.


Location
Medoc Mountain State Park is located near Louisburg, Nashville and Roanoke Rapids

Picnicking
Medoc Mountain State Park offers picnic tables, grills and a sheltered area. It's perfect for family outings or solo picnics.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 10 miles of trails, but caution is advised due to varying terrain and difficulty levels. The Stream Loop Trail offers a moderate challenge for bikers with its hilly landscape. For more experienced cyclists, the Dam Site Loop Trail provides steep inclines and sharp turns that require careful navigation. Always wear protective gear when biking these routes as safety should be your top priority.

Remember: all trail users must yield to horseback riders according to park rules; respect other visitors' experiences too! Also note that after heavy rains or storms some paths may become impassable - check conditions before setting off on any ride.

Lastly, it's important not just for personal enjoyment but also environmental preservation reasons: stick only designated bike-friendly tracks while in this area!
Trails
Bear Swamp Trail - The trail connects the Visitor Center and the Dam Site Loop trail. The trail travels through wooded hills, across a bridge, and through a sunny meadow.

Bluff Loop Trail - Southeast of Picnic Shelter. Three mile trail that starts in the low land along Little Fishing creek before climbing on top of the bluffs

Creek Loop Trail - This loop trail is located off of the Moratock Trail. Trail meanders through forested area and travels along Little Fishing Creek.

Dam Site Loop Trail - East of Park Office. Accessible from the Bear Swamp trail or the Discovery Loop Trail, the Dam Site Loop Trail covers a wide variety of forest types due to the dramatic changes in elevation along its course.

Discovery Loop Trail - Northwest of Picnic Shelter. The Discovery Loop trail offers an easy hike that starts along Little Fishing Creek before turning back into other low-land forest areas.

Main Trail - This trail takes riders from the day parking and campground areas along the gravel road and connects with all the other bride trails. This trail is the main path by which the Pine Loops, Ridge Loop, and the Silvertown trails branch off.

Moratock Trail - This trail is located off of the parking area and makes a loop around the equestrian campground. Trail meanders through pine and hardwood forested area of the park.

Pine Loops Trail - This loop trail is located off the Main Trail and connects with the Silvertown Trail.
This trail takes riders through pines and hardwoods along old roads and has a single-track trail area.

Pyrite Loop Trail - Branches off the Saponi Loop. Includes several natural rock and tree obstacles and is rated as a difficult trail for hiking and moderate for biking.

Ridge Loop Trail - This loop trail is located off the Main Trail. This trail takes riders along the ridge with views of the creek.

Saponi Loop Trail - Branches off of the Bear Swamp Trail.

Silvertown Loop Trail - This loop trail is located off the Main Trail. This trail takes riders through single-track trail areas.

Stream Loop Trail - North of Picnic Shelter. Short, mile loop that starts at the Picnic Shelter and follows Little Fishing Creek and exits into the large field near the Picnic Area.

The Medoc Mountain State Park TRACK Trail follows the Stream Loop Trail, an easy loop through a mixed hardwood forest, along a creek and through an open field.

Summit Loop Trail - Northeast of Picnic Shelter. The Summit Loop Trail allows hikers to experience low lying trails along Little Fishing Creek before turning up onto the ridge-line that remains of Medoc Mountain. The short section from the bridge across Little Fishing Creek to the summit offers our most challenging hiking terrain.



Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like the red-tailed hawk, barred owl and woodpeckers. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birdlife throughout the year. Trails provide excellent vantage points for observation. Birding checklists are available to help identify different species.

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