Nature preserve

Huge boulders at Dunn’s Mountain Nature Preserve North Carolina

By Tracy J. Obrien




There’s a rock quarry-turned-nature preserve in North Carolina that’s surprisingly impressive. Consisting of 83 acres, Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve is a nature preserve as well as a historic site with huge rounded boulders that are plutonic in nature. The park itself features an old rock quarry and tons of granite outcrops that cover the surface of the mountain like icing on a cake.

Located south of Salisbury and east of the town of Granite Quarry, Dunn’s Mountain Nature and Historic Reserve features picnic tables and shelters, a number of trails, a blacksmith’s shop and views of the the quarry with long range views that stretch over 50 miles. a clear day.
The general area where this quirky park is located is no stranger to quarries. Granite has been mined in the region for centuries. This site, in particular, was first mined in the early 1700s.

And while the quarry filled with sparkling spring water is a sight in itself, the huge plutonic boulders are what many people find most fascinating.

They formed millions of years ago when molten crystallized rock shot up from within the earth, but stopped short of penetrating the surface. In turn, the molten rock cooled in pockets deep within the outer layers of the earth.
Over time, the plutonic boulders have been exposed by erosion, leaving massive vertical outcrops that protrude from Dunn’s Mountain like teeth from the gums of a skeleton.
Educational signs posted around the nature reserve detail not only the history of mining here, but also the origins of the large plutonic boulders.
Additionally, Dunn’s Mountain is also a biological wonder as 154 different plant varieties have been identified in the reserve, a rare biodiversity for this part of the Tar Heel State.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, a Rowan County Park, is best visited on weekends – at which time you can usually take a transport vehicle to the top of the mountain.
Please refer to the official opening hours before planning a trip to explore this wonderful nature reserve.

Long-range binoculars are located at the lookout and restrooms are in the parking lot at the base of the mountain. With picnic shelters, restrooms and 83 acres to explore, this hidden gem has just about everything.

Next time you’re looking for a fun way to explore the Tar Heel State, check out this nature preserve in North Carolina. Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve is open year-round – however, it is only open on designated weekends. Check the website for updated weekend dates and hours of operation.

If you want to fit this cool attraction into a fun half-day road trip, keep reading This rural road trip will take you to some of North Carolina’s best hidden countryside gems for the perfect little road trip that all of family can enjoy.

Address: Road, Salisbury, North Carolina 28146, USA

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Tracy J. Obrien
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