King Mountain Glider Park

About

It is easy to get up at King Mountain. The Glider Park is located on the western flank of King Mountain just 2 ½ miles from the lower foot launch site (about a 5/1 glide.) Prevailing winds are from the west (left to right as seen in this photo.) Ridge lift and massive thermals abound. The powerful thermal trips are mid range and stand about 2000’ feet above the valley floor. Great lift can be found above the thermal trips and above the ranges.

Launch Points (4)

Coyote Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 2,224 m / 7,298 ftHdg: 314° NWSurface: SHORT GRASS

Coyote Launch faces northwest. Coyote is a lovely sunrise location with smooth ridge lift in the morning. They will let anyone on this Mountain! Gliders-check, Harness-check, Coffee-check, Sunrise-Check Good Morning from Coyote!

Lower Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 2,382 m / 7,814 ftHdg: 203° SSWSurface: SHORT GRASS

Lower Launch at King Mountain is a great place to enjoy the scene. King Mountain Hang Gliding Championships held each year uses this launch. A very gentle and grassy slope. Wide open departure path. A 5 to 1 to the Glider Park with thermal generators and 2 landing zones on the way.

Runway launch

Tow

Alt: 1,682 m / 5,518 ftHdg: 187° SSurface: SHORT GRASS

Dirt strip that you can tow hang gliders, foot launch sailplanes and gliders from

Upper Launch

Foot Launch

Alt: 2,463 m / 8,082 ftHdg: 188° SSurface: SHORT GRASS

Four wheel drive is required for the last pitch to Upper Launch, but the view is worth it.

Landing Zones (3)

Flying Conditions

Has 4 different launch points and at least 1 or more defined places that you can tow from. The best wind direction is 240 @ 10 knts but many sites can be flown from multiple directions, so check before you fly. You can expect to find: thermal conditions ridge soaring conditions cross country potential , all dependent on current weather conditions.