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 Reporter |
Summary: This is probably the most popular hike at South Mountains State Park. Hike during the week to avoid the crowds. First, pick up a trail map from the ranger station. Follow either the Hemlock or HQ trail away from the parking area and upstream. After about half a mile you will see signs for High Shoals Falls. Approximately one mile from the parking area and after climbing a lot of stairs you will reach the veiwing platform for the falls. Continue ascending stairs to the top of the falls. Be sure and stay on the marked trail. There have been several deaths here. Continue following the trail until it intersects with Upper Falls Trail. Turn right on Upper Falls. After ascending a moderate grade look for an opening to the left. Here you will have nice views to the South. Continue on Upper Falls Trail until you come to a junction with HQ trail. Turn right on HQ trail and descend to Shinny Creek campsites. Follow HQ trail back to the Jacob Fork Parking Area. Trailhead: The trailhead is located in the Jacob Fork Parking Area at South Mountains State Park. From Morganton, NC, take exit 105 on I-40 and follow the brown and white signs to the park. The park is approximately 20 miles south of I-40. From Charlotte, NC, take Hwy 27 West to Hwy 18 North and follow the brown and white signs to the park. The park is approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Hwys 27 and 18. Once you enter the park, drive to the end of the road to the Ranger Station and Jacob Fork Parking Area. (Lat:35.60184 Lon:-81.62964) Trail Guides for High Shoals Falls Loop Trail: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: South Mountains State Park - 828-433-4772 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JohnInBelmont on 2/15/2009 Hiked 2/15/09. Parked at the Cicero Parking area. Hiked along the creek to the main parking area (adds an extra mile round trip to the hike.) This is a great winter day hike on those mild days. Left Charlotte at 8 am and was back home by 2 pm. The falls are great. The park service has built many stairs, bridges, and retaining walls (and oddly, some hand rails on flat areas.) The feeling is very urbanized, but safer than without them. I'll do it again, but not in the near future.
Reviewed by Barb on 1/30/2008 Hiked January 30, 2008. Took Hemlock Nature Trail to H.Q. (Headquarters) Trail which is a nice, challenging trek up the mountain. Ate lunch where Upper Falls trail comes in. Then headed to the fabulous High Shoals waterfall which is 80 feet. In the cold weather, it had largely frozen and a gorgeous site. The State of N.C. has spent a small fortune on building wooden steps to the waterfall; it's not a natural look, but it is probably safer than having the public climb over rocks. There is a beautiful visitors center where you can watch an excellent 15 minute movie for free. It describes the park's ecology. There are a lot of trails in South Mountains State Park and a free map is available at center. I'll be back. About 5.5 mile hike.
Reviewed by Evette 09/24/07 on 9/24/2007 I am a big girl, and I did it!! It was hard and extremely challenging, but I would definitely do it again. Thanks for my first Hike!!
Reviewed by Gene on 7/1/2007 We hiked this trail right after a rain, if you do so be careful the rocks are slick (trust me). Hugo rock is a nice memory and makes you think that one day the mountain will not be there at all(if we lived to be a million). The hike going up to the falls is a little difficult but well worth the hike. The next climb was to the Upper Falls this (to us) was the hardest part of the trail, a lot of steps, the humidity made us feel like we were in a subtropical envirnoment. One of the coolest trails I have hiked so far. 
Reviewed by Randy on 6/12/2007 I have been coming to the State park since you had to follow little yellow dots on the rocks in order to stay on the trail. Every experiance I have had there has been first rate.
Reviewed by Aaron on 4/20/2005 Excellent creeks and beautiful waterfalls. I took my dog on this hike, and it was a blast. The trails are open again, although some bridges are still out crossing from the top to the bottom of the falls. If you cross over to the bottom of the falls, there are several trout fishing holes. Only complaint, by 12:30pm on nice days, this place is busy unless you are a backpacker!
Reviewed by TJ on 7/2/2004 Please Note: South Mountains State Park is currently closed. Call before you go. More details can be found at: www.ncsparks.net Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Burke County Hiking, Burke County Trails, Burke County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||