Rocky Face Mountain is located in the Northeastern section of Alexander County.
Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area has a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. The site was a former quarry operation which began in 1922 and operations ceased in the early 1940’s. A prison camp was located nearby and a railroad reached the old quarry site. There have also been agricultural land uses such as apples, peaches, wheat and grapes near the site.
In 2003, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program signed an agreement that put Rocky Face Mountain on the North Carolina Registry of Natural Heritage Areas because of its unique qualities.
On May 25, 2012 Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area opened to the public. The park project was made possible by a $477,000 grant from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. In addition, to assist with the grant, the land was donated to the county by the Carolina Land and Lakes Resource Conservation and Development District. Additional assistance related to the land donation and to acquiring additional land was provided by the Felbourn Foundation.
Today, the former rock quarry area includes a paved ADA walking track as well as picnic shelter, restrooms, and park office. The quarry area features a sheer cliff face which is attractive for qualified rock climbers.
Outside the quarry area, the park includes hiking trails of approximately five miles which will take hikers along the top of the quarry cliffs and to the mountain peak. The trail will also include various markers depicting some of the rare plants which are located at the park.