Summit Loop Trail

Summit Loop Trail reaches the granite summit of Medoc Mountain, a modest but geologically significant monadnock rising above the flat coastal plain of northeastern North Carolina. At just over 300 feet above the surrounding terrain, Medoc Mountain is not imposing by mountain standards, but it represents one of the most prominent topographic features in a region defined by river floodplains and agricultural lowlands. The summit is capped by ancient granite that has resisted erosion while softer surrounding rock weathered away over hundreds of millions of years. Views from the summit are filtered by the surrounding forest but include expansive glimpses across the coastal plain toward the Roanoke River basin. The loop passes through a distinctive forest community where piedmont and coastal plain species mix, including longleaf pine, turkey oak, and mountain laurel growing alongside loblolly pine and coastal plain wildflowers. Deer, fox squirrel, and various neotropical migrant birds frequent the mountain. The park is a critical conservation area in a largely agricultural landscape, protecting rare granite outcrop plant communities and providing habitat for coastal plain wildlife. No entrance fee is charged. The park is located near Hollister, NC, approximately one hour north of Raleigh.