The Gorgeous 4.7-Mile Hike In North Carolina's South Mountains That Will Lead You Past A Waterfall And Boulder-Strewn Creek
By Robin Jarvis|Published February 05, 2021
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Robin Jarvis began writing for OnlyInYourState.com in 2015 and quickly advanced to a Senior Editor role. She's currently the Brand Manager and has a Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. Her career history includes long running appearances on radio and television. She also has served as publisher of Shades of Green Magazine and Design Lead on several print publications. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for more than three decades and currently resides in Charleston, SC. When she's not working, she loves playing guitar, painting, traveling, and spending time with family.
Contact: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com
Hiking to waterfalls is fun in any season, especially when the trail is as beautiful and versatile as the High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail at South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs, North Carolina. If you’re hiking this trail in the winter, you may want to put some spikes on the bottom of your boots to help navigate the many stairs. On this scenic hike, you’ll wind past a mountain creek strewn with moss-covered boulders and to a gigantic waterfall.
The journey takes you to a viewing platform at the base of High Shoals Waterfall, a beast of a waterfall the drops 80 feet to a plunge line below.
During the summer and fall, High Shoals Waterfall Trail is heavily trafficked, so you may want to consider going very early in the morning on the weekends, or scheduling your hiking trip for a weekday if going during those months.
In the last part of the hike, you'll encounter the boardwalk leading to the observation deck at the waterfall.
The layers of shoals at the base of the falls are very picturesque and surrounded by a moss-covered landscape.
But by far, the main attraction is the waterfall itself. After a heavy rainfall, the powerful stream blasts over the ledge of High Shoals, barking out a thunderous rage as it pours to the shoals below.
Have you hiked the High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail at South Mountain State Park yet? The state park is open every day of the year, except Christmas. Hours vary by season. You can see the hours on the official website for South Mountains State Park. Admission is free. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails.com.
For more must-visit waterfalls in North Carolina, read all about the hikes to Moore Cove Falls and to a hidden waterfall park in the Tar Heel State.
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