Hiking the Peaks at South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park is no ordinary hiking destination. The moment your boots hit the trail, you're surrounded by dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and rocky cliffs that set this North Carolina park apart. This isn’t just a park—it’s a playground for the bold, the curious, and anyone with a heart beating for high-altitude adventure.

South Mountains’ trails cater to hikers of all levels, but for those aiming to reach the top, the High Shoals Falls Loop is an unmissable challenge. It’s a 2.7-mile trek with over 600 feet of elevation gain, guiding you straight into one of the most exhilarating views in the park. The first leg winds through thick hardwood forests, then the trail sharpens, and you’re greeted by the booming roar of High Shoals Falls. This 80-foot cascade pours into a swirling pool, churning with a force that reminds you exactly where you are—on nature’s terms.

And this is just the beginning. Beyond the falls, the trail climbs rocks and clings to the mountainside until you reach the summit. Endless peaks roll over the horizon; it’s raw, wild, and stunningly vast. If you crave even more altitude, the Chestnut Knob Trail leads deeper into the mountains, offering some of the park’s best long-range views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains—a horizon so expansive it feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

South Mountains State Park isn’t easy to reach, nor does it make any grand promises. This is a place for the hearty and the hungry—those who find solace in solitude and beauty in the struggle. After a day on these rugged trails, you’ll know that sometimes, the best rewards are earned one steep, sweat-drenched step at a time.

Adventure Guide: Hiking in South Mountains State Park

Recommended Trails

• High Shoals Falls Loop (2.7 miles, moderate): Starting with a wooded approach, this loop quickly gains elevation, leading to the dramatic High Shoals Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into crystal-clear pools. Beyond the falls, the trail climbs steeply, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

• Chestnut Knob Trail (4.5 miles, strenuous): For a longer, more challenging hike, try Chestnut Knob. This rugged trail offers breathtaking vistas over the Jacob Fork River Gorge and the mountains beyond. On clear days, the distant Blue Ridge adds an awe-inspiring backdrop.

• Little River Trail (1.5 miles, easy): Perfect for an easy, scenic stroll, this trail meanders along the river and is an ideal way to unwind after tackling the more challenging routes.

Key Tips

• Trail Conditions: Many trails can become muddy and slippery, especially around waterfalls, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.
• Best Seasons: Fall paints the park in vibrant colors, while spring brings wildflowers. Summer can be hot and buggy, so try early mornings or evenings for cooler conditions.
• Wildlife: Black bears and deer roam these woods, so stay alert and give animals a safe distance.

Directions

Located approximately 90 minutes from Charlotte, South Mountains State Park is accessible by car via I-85 S and NC-18 N. This scenic drive winds you straight into the wilderness, making it an ideal day trip to escape city life.

Whether you’re scaling rocky paths or stopping to breathe in mountain vistas, South Mountains is a place where every trek brings you closer to North Carolina’s wild heart, one pulse-pounding step at a time.