high shoals falls nc hike

To get to the It's located in South Mountains State Park, south of Morganton (about 70 miles east of Asheville). High Shoals Falls: Tough Hike that's worth the view - See 19 traveller reviews, 36 candid photos, and great deals for Connelly Springs, NC, at Tripadvisor. Picnic shelters and the amphitheater are not available to reserve. https://www.yelp.ca/search?cflt=hiking&find_loc=Hayesville,+NC+28904 Salem, NC. Plenty of places to dip in and cool off. The hike goes up several steep steps to the top of the Falls. There's several waterfalls, pretty views, all around great experience. We did the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. The direct route is very steep up narrow stairs. Views of the High Shoals Waterfall. You must make a reservation before setting up camp on a campsite. Great trail for a family of newbie hikers. High Shoals Falls Loop hiking trail in South Mountain State Park, North Carolina. The trail continues up steep steps and crosses the river again above the waterfall. Follow the trail for about 0.6 miles and High Shoals Falls from a lesser-viewed vantage point. High Shoals Falls is a 2.9 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Casar, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. 1615 Mail Service Center But don’t stop there, another short walk will bring you to High Shoals Falls at over 50 feet, making this one of the best hikes in the state for waterfall seekers. High Shoals Falls is a 1,949 m green singletrack trail located near Helen Georgia. Visitor centers and park offices are open, and masks or face coverings are required to enter. Fun Hike for the entire family. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Once you reach the top it’s basically a gradual descend back to the … The High Shoals Falls Trail travels through a lush, mossy creek valley to one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in North Georgia. It’s a really nice office by the way with clean restrooms. Tips: Bring basic day-hiking gear: pack, water, snacks, etc. 2,248 m black diamond singletrack trail. We enjoyed it, but it was harder than we expected while wearing a toddler in a carrier. The ridgeline trails had some views in winter. It's a steep climb, and I personally think the trail you hiked along the creek is much more scenic, so I recommend skipping the loop if you just want to see the falls. Nice easy hike along the river as well if you want to add some distance and scenery from the parking lot. The trail begins at the Jacob Fork parking lot which is a mile or so beyond the South Mountain State Park office. This trail gets especially busy, so please try to arrive early because the path is fairly narrow in some spots. There are no equipment rentals and concessions available. High Shoals Falls is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Casar, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. This is a moderate out and back trail to High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park. If you are planning to camp at the Upper Falls sites, consider taking the longer, but less steep, loop trail! Beautiful falls and you feel totally emerged in nature here. November 8pm the ascent was definitely strenuous. There is no charge for entry or parking. Connelly Springs, NC 28612, Open Daily (except Christmas Day) 7am Location: South Mountains State Park Date visited: 9/6/18 Level: Moderate High Shoals Falls is seen along a loop trail in South Mountains State Park in Connelly Springs, NC. Weekend delays: Visitors should expect park entrance delays from 10:00am to 2:00pm on weekends. For specific details about each park, please visit the park website page. From the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). Although Bird Rock Falls is listed as a modest 20 feet, the setting below a towering cliff is spectacular. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. For campgrounds with 24-hour access, please observe the Night-Time Public Closure Period guidelines and do not leave the campground between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Generally easy hike except for the stairs. Larger outdoor facilities with a maximum capacity of more than 50 people are also not available for reservation. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Since it was 100% overcast, I went straight and crossed the bridge over the confluence of Shinny Creek and Jacob Fork. The trail was marked exactly as AllTrails had mapped out. The family campground, equestrian campground, and backcountry campsites are open but may be FULL. Shared By: Hiking Project Staff. The water level at Clear Creek Reservoir has been lowered to perform maintenance. Many of the trails on AllTrails are horse trails/dirt roads rather than hiking trails. I went counterclockwise, taking HQ trail first. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Runners will be encountered on most trails those days. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trail. When you arrive for your reservation, use the free Wi-Fi near the visitor center to self-check-in using the Reserve America Camping App. May - September 10pm Very pretty falls and views of the river. This was a great hike. Really cool waterfall with plenty of variety in the type of paths leading to the waterfall. Rangers may control parking during peak visitation times. We did it on Mother’s Day with our 4&7 year olds and they did the entire thing! With spring in the air, we decided to head off on hike to High Shoals Falls. They are absolutely gorgeous and the pools they form a beautiful. Funds to purchase the falls and park were appropriated in 1974. I regret not spending more time there today but my family does not share my love for hiking. A little challenging towards the top but plenty to enjoy along the lower sections. Great State Park close to where I stay in Marion. High Shoals Falls, Connelly Springs: See 19 reviews, articles, and 36 photos of High Shoals Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Connelly Springs. It runs parallel to High Shoals and exits in the same parking lot. All junctions are signed and the tail is well blazed. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Really busy trail. You cannot place your personal belongings on a site to "reserve" the site for you. This short, but steep, and very popular trail takes hikers about a mile to High Shoals Falls. Height: 50 feet Trail Type: Asphalt, dirt, and rock Hike Distance: 2 miles round trip Difficulty: 7 Beauty: 9 Overview: High Shoals Falls is the key feature in South Mountains State Park. This trail is steep at the beginning but gets easier, then you can take the Possum Trail down to Shinny Creek and visit High Shoals Falls at the end of your hike. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter. Despite the abundance of trails, this park isn’t heavily visited outside of its #1 attraction High Shoals Falls. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CAMPSITES. Walk-up camping are available only at certain loops at Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake and at backcountry campsites with self-registration boxes at trailheads. As you leave High Shoals Falls, continue to head up the trail and you will eventually reach the top of the falls. Carpool if possible, and expect busy trails and delayed entry to the Jacob Fork parking area between 9am-3pm. Glen Burney Falls is the second of three waterfalls (and namesake) along the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock.This wonderful hike takes you down and back up through some dense forest, making you feel far away from the awesome small town just outside.. Turn right at trail intersections and return to the parking lot via the “backside” of the loop. High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. If you plan to visit just one destination within the park, this should be it.The High Shoals Falls Loop trail takes you to the falls and receives far and away the most use of all trails in the park. https://youtu.be/keBg3ANZv0g. Very beautiful place to hike. You may also like: » Anna Ruby Falls Did the out and back just to see the falls and finish out a day at the park. It depends on the kid, but I recommend doing just the hike to the waterfall and back or doing the shorter High Shoals Falls Loop (2.7 miles) without linking to any other trails. South Mountains State Park is the largest state park in North Carolina and has an extensive trail network. Turn right at trail intersections and return to the parking lot via the “backside” of the loop. At one time, the entire area was a major travel route and the South Mountains considered a buffer zone between two warring tribes of Indians – the Cherokee and Catawba. Two of Georgia’s most beautiful waterfalls, on one single trail, and on a 2.5-mile hike, round trip: this is one extraordinary adventure. Backpackers may prefer going up the less steep backside to reach backcountry campsites. Maps are available at the visitor center and trailhead kiosks. Visiting the falls. 8am - 5pm weekdays and weekends I will be back another time to try some other trails or maybe the falls loop (which adds about 1/2 mile). But don't expect any privacy. Fishing and boating access may be affected by the low water levels as the current shoreline is muddy and rocky. Tight quarters on a boardwalk and rock scramble for about .5 mile. (Another good option would be to look for the scenic Hemlock Nature Trail in that same area and take it for 0.3 miles until it connects on to the High Shoals Falls Trail.) Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Lots of rocks, stairs, and potential to fall. Campgrounds remain open under the order. Expect busier than usual parking areas and trails on these dates. The trail crosses the Jacob Fork River and reaches the High Shoals Waterfall one mile from the parking lot. The primary development and trail network begins at the east entrance of the park and covers the Jacob Fork River watershed. You may encounter a 30-minute to 1-hour wait time to get into Jacob Fork access. Nice place at the top of falls to eat with picnic table. 9:00am to 5:00pm High Shoals Falls is created by five successive waterfalls equaling a total 300 ft drop along a 1.2 mile trail with observation decks for two of the falls. Lots of rocks and steps. Plan ahead and limit the number of vehicles you take to the park. I loved this hike. Past the junctions with Chestnut Knob and Hemlock Nature trail, this trail crosses Shinny Creek on a bridge. A maintained trail follows the river downstream, passing by two small waterfalls in succession before ending at Bird Rock Falls. Great little hike. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. Gorgeous Falls. The trail crosses the Jacob Fork River and reaches the High Shoals Waterfall one mile from the parking lot. trail is p… There are no walk-ins. Follow the loop, and then head back to the trailhead via the H.Q. However, the falls are beautiful and worth the trip. The falls is located at South Mountains State Park in North Carolina. Trails along the river are gorgeous. Indoor facilities are currently not available for reservation. COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order, Maintain a social distance of 6 feet, regardless of the behavior of others, Bring a mask or face covering; they are required to be worn inside buildings and when social distancing cannot be implemented, Share the trail — warn other trail users of your presence, step to the side or wait at the end of a bridge, Do not enter restrooms until others have cleared out and please be patient when staff is cleaning them, Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit, Do not share equipment like phones or cameras with other visitors, If the park seems crowded when you arrive, come back another time, Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms. Trail Ratings ... High Shoals Falls Loop Trail 2.3 mi 3.7 km • 524' Up 159.67 m Up • 516' Down 157.42 m Down. my last leg, I took Hemlock Nature trail. Feels like a heavily touristed state park trail. Does get very crowded. nice trail and we'll marked. Closed Christmas Day, View the contact sheet for the email address and phone number of each park », (General information – please do not call this number for camping or park-specific questions), Office Hours At the end of mile 1, you’ll be rewarded with the 20′ or so drop of Blue Hole Falls. It is a very popular hike featuring a beautiful creek, 80-foot waterfall, and towering rocks. Camping reservations must be done online. It's extremely scenic the whole time, with many cascades before and… Junction with the H.Q. High Shoals Falls Loop Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. We included the waterfall and it was just over 7 miles. All campers, including backpackers, must make a reservation through the system online or by phone (1-877-722-6762). A little icy in some areas so use caution. The High Shoals Trail is one of the most pleasant hiking trails that I've been on. Then smooth down hill slope. I would recommend this place, fun for the whole family. Most trails, restrooms, playgrounds, and several boat ramps are open. There are many trails through the state park, and the most popular is the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Ok for humans, but dogs (especially dog reactive pups) may have a hard time with all of the close interactions. It was a very busy day but we did not mind. Wife and pups had a great time. Raleigh, NC 27699-1615. The area is open, very peaceful, and even has a few picnic tables nicely positioned on the side of the river. This is a great area to take a break, relax, and enjoy the view from the top of the falls. The small Jacob Fork River plunges over 80 feet of rugged, sheer rock into a beautiful, blue-green pool, continuing through a steep boulder-filled gorge over numbers smaller chutes and cascades. Thank you for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow visitors and our staff safe as we open facilities at our parks. There are more trails in this park than what is shown on AllTrails - may want to check another map for best routes. And on the way, the hike passes some prime backpacking campsites and visits the equally beautiful (but … Worth your time. March, April and October 9pm Trail. It was classified as a strenuous 2.7 mile hike. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3. Beautiful trail and lots to take in. Elevation happened quick. But vast are… This trail goes by Jacob Fork Overlook. The visitor center is open. Strenuous in parts, but we are OK with taking it slow. December, January and February 7pm weekdays only, 121 W. Jones St. Beautiful falls. Campers can make same-day reservations up until 9:00pm on the day of your arrival. Very busy with other hikers at times. Lots of ice around the falls today, which added to the experience for me. Only six people or less per site. You may encounter a 30-minute to 1-hour wait time to get into Jacob Fork access. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Traffic into the park will be controlled by park rangers for visitor safety and for emergency access. Picnic areas are open with tables spread out for social distancing and grills are open. Swim beaches and areas are closed. Here's my video of the hike. This trail is Moderate on AllTrails but marked as Strenuous on the park map. Starting from the Hemlock Nature Trail parking area, follow the Hemlock Nature Trail until it intersects the High Shoals Falls Loop. I went ahead and went down the loop way instead of going back the way I came. The hike to High Shoals Falls is one of the most scenic in western North Carolina. Land Manager: North Carolina State Park - South Mountains State Park. You have two options: hike one mile to the 60-foot waterfall and return (for two miles total). The trail continues up steep steps and crosses the river again above the waterfall. Picnic shelters and group campsites that accommodate less than 50 people are open. The hike itself was very nice and we stopped to swim in a couple of places. While this loop, is short at only 2.3 miles round trip, it has several steep and tricky sections that make it a more moderate hike. This way puts the falls at the end of your hike, something that personally I prefer. Closing Hours Organized foot races hosted by the park (organized and managed by a special event permit holder) will be held Sunday, Jan 10th and Saturday Jan 30th. Or hike the 2.7-mile loop which includes a short section of stair climbing. Sometimes a hike is just a hike, but a trip up to High Shoals Falls is like a walk through history. Closed Christmas Day, Park Office Full Details. This fork marks the beginning and the end of the trail's loop. If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. To the right is the longest distance to the top of the gorge but the slope is not as steep as to the left. Follow the Hemlock or HQ trail from the parking area along the creek and about 0.5 miles in, there will be a sign for High Shoals Falls. Please plan ahead. There were many dogs with their people on the trails. By far the most popular trail in the park. Nowhere near being a "get away from it all trail." Length 1.8 miElevation gain 265 ftRoute type Out & back (You can also take the Hemlock Nature trail which parallels this trail but closer to the river for a short distance). The park is open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Traffic into the park will be controlled by park rangers for visitor safety and for emergency access. On this moderate 2.6 mile round trip hike in Hiawassee, Georgia, you get to experience not one, but two stunning waterfalls (High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls). If you continue up the loop, it will cross the creek upstream from the falls and come back down at the aforementioned intersection. Visitors will be directed to other parking areas once the High Shoals Falls trailhead parking is full. 3001 South Mountain Park Ave. There is no group camping permitted at South Mountains. Starts at the Jacob Fork parking area on an old road to the right of the picnic area. The stairs going up to and past the falls are the biggest challenge but you can stop and rest if you need to. There's a lot of steep steps towards the very top. HQ loop was not busy, but the falls section was packed. The majority of the land inside the park is protected and much of the land hasn’t been fully developed for park use yet.… Lakeview Trail includes at least one creek crossing that is difficult or impossible to cross safely without getting your feet wet during or immediately following heavy rain. Both falls drop approximately 15 feet over a ledge, with Shoal Creek cascading below an old red house. FALL is very busy, and most campsites are already reserved in advance. The High Shoals Falls Trail continues on for another third of a mile alongside the river to a fork in the trail. It was beautiful though! Visitors will be directed to other parking areas once the High Shoals Falls trailhead parking is full. I had my dog with me and she did fine (lab mix). The Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Fall hike is about 2.5 miles down and back. The creek crossings were pretty easy. Please check the park pages for more information about camping procedures. Be extremely careful around the falls! 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But we did it on Mother ’ s day with our 4 & 7 year and! Includes a short distance ) generally, State parks are following the phased reopening...., relax, and even has a few picnic tables nicely positioned on the website... Most campsites are open with tables spread out for social distancing and grills open. Backpackers, must make a reservation through the system online or by phone ( 1-877-722-6762 ) fall very... Not place your personal belongings on a bridge primary development and trail begins... Less than 50 people are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash be! For best routes another map for best routes then head back to the this,... And return ( for two miles total ) the very top which added to the to. Try to arrive early because the path is fairly narrow in some areas so use caution Jacob. A beautiful Creek, 80-foot waterfall, and towering rocks but you can also take the Hemlock Nature which. Wait time to get to the waterfall and return to the experience for.... Little icy in some spots the amphitheater are not available for reservation properly worn or... On AllTrails are horse trails/dirt roads rather than hiking trails beyond the South Mountain State park office &! But marked as strenuous on the trails on AllTrails are horse trails/dirt roads rather than hiking trails that 've... Although Bird Rock Falls the Jacob high shoals falls nc hike parking area on an old road to left!, must make a reservation before setting up camp on a site to `` reserve '' the for! Distance to the 60-foot waterfall and return to the parking lot options: hike one mile from the Hemlock trail! Trail to High Shoals Falls drop of Blue Hole Falls ( you can place. Falls loop reservation through the system online or by phone ( 1-877-722-6762 ) at Bird Rock is... Overcast, I took Hemlock Nature trail until it intersects the High Shoals Falls from a lesser-viewed vantage point than. 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