South Mountains State Park rises from the North Carolina Piedmont like a rugged island—a mountainous wilderness reaching elevations of 3,000 feet on the edge of the Blue Ridge foothills. This park delivers dramatic waterfalls, challenging trails, and some of the best equestrian facilities in the state park system.
The star attraction is High Shoals Falls, an 80-foot cascade accessible via a scenic (but strenuous!) loop trail with boardwalks along the rushing waters. Mountain bikers tackle the challenging 18-mile loop, while equestrians explore 33 miles of dedicated horse trails from a state-of-the-art facility.
With nearly 50 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to rugged backcountry routes, South Mountains is a hidden gem for serious outdoor adventurers.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Burke County, North Carolina |
| 🗺️ Region | Blue Ridge Foothills |
| 🏔️ Elevation | Up to 3,000 feet |
| 🥾 Hiking Trails | ~50 miles |
| 🚵 MTB Loop | 18 miles |
| 🐴 Equestrian | 33 miles |
High Shoals Falls
The 80-foot High Shoals Falls is the crown jewel of South Mountains—a thundering cascade that rewards hikers who brave the strenuous trail.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💦 Height | 80 feet |
| 🥾 Trail | High Shoals Falls Loop (2.7 miles) |
| ⚠️ Difficulty | Strenuous |
| 🌉 Features | Boardwalks along cascading waters |
Hiking Trails
The park boasts nearly 50 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels:
| Trail | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 💦 High Shoals Falls Loop | Strenuous | 80-foot waterfall! |
| 🌿 Hemlock Nature Trail | Easy | Short nature walk |
| 🏔️ Chestnut Knob Trail | Strenuous | Summit views |
| 🥾 Headquarters Trail | Moderate | Interior access |
Mountain Biking
South Mountains is one of the few NC state parks that permits mountain biking!
- 🚵 18-mile loop — Strenuous!
- ⛰️ Challenging climbs and fast descents
- 🛤️ Primarily on old forestry roads
- 💪 For experienced riders
Equestrian Facilities
South Mountains offers some of the best equestrian facilities in the NC state park system:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐴 Trail Miles | 33 miles dedicated horse trails |
| ⛺ Campsites | 15 equestrian campsites |
| 🏠 Barn | 33-stall facility |
| 🚿 Amenities | Washhouse with hot showers & flush toilets |
📋 Note: Proof of negative Coggins test required for all horses.
Camping
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Camping — Jacob Fork access
- 🎒 Backpack Camping — Backcountry sites
- 🐴 Equestrian Camping — 15 sites with barn access
- 💵 Fees: Starting at $13/day
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
South Mountains SP — 18,000+ acres — is one of North Carolina’s largest state parks. The park’s 80-foot High Shoals Falls, mountain streams, and hardwood forest support black bears, wild boar, and timber rattlesnakes. Brook trout inhabit the mountain streams. The park has 40+ miles of trails including rugged backcountry routes.
Nearby Attractions
Morganton — adjacent. Lake James SP — 20 miles north. Hickory — 30 miles east.
How tall is High Shoals Falls?
High Shoals Falls is approximately 80 feet tall. It’s accessible via the 2.7-mile High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, which is rated as strenuous but features beautiful boardwalks along the cascading waters.
Can I mountain bike at South Mountains State Park?
Yes! South Mountains is one of the few NC state parks that allows mountain biking. The park features an 18-mile loop that is strenuous, with challenging climbs and fast descents on old forestry roads. Best for experienced riders!
Is South Mountains State Park good for horseback riding?
Excellent! The park offers 33 miles of dedicated equestrian trails and state-of-the-art facilities including a 33-stall barn, 15 equestrian campsites, and a washhouse with hot showers. Proof of a negative Coggins test is required.
How many miles of hiking trails are at South Mountains?
South Mountains State Park has nearly 50 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels—from easy nature trails like the Hemlock Nature Trail to strenuous summit hikes like Chestnut Knob Trail.
Can I camp at South Mountains State Park?
Yes! The park offers family camping, backpack camping, and equestrian camping. All camping facilities are located at the Jacob Fork access. Fees start at $13/day. Reservations recommended!
Where is South Mountains State Park located?
South Mountains State Park is located in Burke County, North Carolina, at the edge of the Piedmont where it meets the Blue Ridge foothills. The park rises to elevations of 3,000 feet and offers a rugged mountain experience.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Bobs Creek State Natural Area (a short drive away) and Lake James State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
💦 Discover North Carolina’s Foothill Wilderness
Chase the 80-foot High Shoals Falls, tackle challenging mountain bike loops, or explore 33 miles of equestrian trails—South Mountains State Park delivers rugged adventure where the Piedmont meets the Blue Ridge!
Explore More North Carolina State Parks
South Mountains State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in North Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in North Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at South Mountains State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Attended leash or other restraint no longer than 6 feet required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim areas or in bathhouses
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are strictly prohibited from entering any building, including cabins; no pet-friendly cabin program
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Not all campgrounds allow pets (contact the park office first); pets must be confined to tent or vehicle during quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.); at Hammocks Beach visitors must arrange their own transportation for pets to Bear Island
Are dogs allowed at South Mountains State Park?
Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ncparks.gov. More: North Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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