This is an absolutely stunning 80-foot waterfall in South Mountains State Park, NC. The 2-mile hike (round trip) is easy at first, but gets more challenging the closer you get to the falls. The last stretch of the trail is a vertical scramble up flights of slippery stairs, but the breathtaking views are so worth it.
South Mountains State Park
Located near Connellys Springs in Burke County, NC, the park encompasses more than 20,000 acres of the South Mountains, a range in North Carolina's Piedmont region. High Shoals Falls is the park's most visited attraction. At the entrance to the park, there is a visitor center that kids are sure to love. It features a hand-on nature exhibit with plenty of beautifully designed interpretive displays, interactive panels, microscopes, and nature dioramas. There's even a special room where kids can learn a few things about the animals that roam at night.
The Hike: High Shoals Falls Loop
The hike begins at South Mountains State Park from the Jacob Fork Parking Area and takes you to actually not one but two absolutely breathtaking waterfalls located on the same trail. The first half mile is an easy walk along the Hemlock Nature Trail with the river flowing parallel to the path
and some great interpretive displays along the way.
At the end of the Hemlock Trail, just turn onto the High Shoals Falls Trail and continue on. After about 0.5 miles you'll reach the first waterfall, a cascade of small falls rushing over huge boulders. There's even a wooden bridge across the river at the base of the falls, which is so fun to cross. Once you get close to the first falls, the trail is mostly a combination of slippery rocks, slopes and uneven steps that climb upward.
The final stretch of the trail rises abruptly with several flights of steps leading to the High Shoals Falls. This section is short, but very treacherous, steep and difficult to traverse with little kids in tow.
The rain had just passed, and the falls were in full flow. It was breathtaking. The sight of it immediately washed away the hardship of navigating about 100 steps or so to get there. Drizzly winter days are my favorite days to chase waterfalls, because
that's when you can see the flow in earnest. Not even the heaviness of rippling clouds can take away from gorgeous water view.
Leave No Trace
Within a couple of hours of Greenville, SC, there's a myriad of state parks, nature preserves, and areas with waterfalls for all ages and ability levels. When visiting parks, remember to LEAVE NO TRACE by:
- packing out your trash
- being considerate of other visitors and wildlife around you
- adhering to all park rules
Good to Know
Trail: High Shoals Falls
Distance: 2 miles out and back or 2.7 miles if hiking High Shoals Falls Loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate to strenuous the closer you get to the falls on a leash
Pets: on a leash
Park Hours: Check online before visiting at www.ncparks.gov
There are many trails in the park. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to grab the map, ask for directions, and simply enjoy the center's interactive exhibits. If traveling with kids, you can also grab a copy of the Ranger Journal for your little ones to fill out on the trails.
South Mountains State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
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