Recently, we made our way back to South Mountain State Park. Located in the foothills, it is the largest state park in North Carolina. There are over 40 miles of nature trails, several waterfalls, mountain streams and some serious elevation gains. The highest point is about 3000 feet above sea level. The trails range from easy to very strenuous and offer plenty of photo opportunities. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable footwear.
With so much to offer, there’s no way to explore every trail in a single day. We decided to tackle the ever so popular High Shoals Falls Loop Trail first. Deemed a strenuous trail, with an elevation gain of 557 feet, we were up for the challenge.
The trail starts at the Jacobs Fork parking area and runs parallel with the river. There are several smaller trails that lead down to the river for a better view. For the most part, the stream itself is very clear. Filled with moss covered rocks, and pretty good-sized boulders in some places, it is quite the sight to see. Several moss-covered trees also lay strewn about. As you’ll see in some of pictures below, the forest is the perfect habitat for mushrooms as well.
As we winded our way through the trail and up the mountain side we came upon a small clearing where the trail splits to form a loop. We decided to go to the left. After a short time, we made it to the lower base of High Shoals Falls. From here, there was a wooden bridge that led us over the stream and provided us the opportunity to witness several mini waterfalls and take in all the beautiful nature before our eyes.
Once across the bridge, the true adventure began. From this point, there is a very challenging set of steep wooden steps, that lead up to the viewing deck of High Shoals Falls. Not for the faint of heart, it definitely gets the blood pumping. However, there are places to stop and rest along the way.
Once we got to the viewing deck, we were rewarded with a magnificent view of the waterfall. It drops down 80 ft over the moss-covered rock face, into a beautiful, crystal clear pool of water and rocks below. Very peaceful and relaxing.
After we got our fill, we continued up another set of steep wooden steps to the top of the falls. Here, there is another wooden bridge that leads back over the river. Which also gives a beautiful view of the forest below.
We also explored Big Bear Falls Trail, as well as the Hemlock Nature Trail. Both of which provided beautiful scenery and are easy by comparison to the High Shoals Falls Loop. Though we didn’t see any wildlife, South Mountain State Park is home to a plethora of living critters. Between the waterfalls, mountain streams, vegetation, moss covered rocks and trees, it is a must see for nature lovers and well worth the visit. I can’t wait to go back in the fall. I hope you enjoy the photos below. Be sure to stop in and check out my Photo Collections before you leave. Thanks and have a great day!
