Saturday (3-16-19) we hiked the Rocky Face Recreational Area in Alexander County, North Carolina. The 316-acre park on the southern edge of the Brushy Mountains was once a quarry and the sheer cliff face the cutting created is now used by qualified rock climbers.

There are over six-miles of hiking trails for exploring the top of the mountain. We started on the Buzzard Loop that overlooks the former quarry, picnic shelter and parking lots.

The massive, exposed-stone walkways can be slick when wet. Numerous signs warn about hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, and cliffs that may cause injury or death!

The massive, sloping outcrops set the tone for panoramic views that made us want to linger longer to enjoy the experience.

Picnic tables were conveniently located at the tops of each viewing area. They made the perfect spots to relax, have a snack and rehydrate.

Scattered boulders, slabs of stone and thick stands of trees made the hiking here a visual treat, even when we couldn’t peer into the distance from the pinnacle. We covered all the trails except the Vertical Mile Challenge, which was better left to younger legs and backs. Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is a unique example of what a county can do to make acquired land a gem for its residents.