High Shoals Falls is an 80-foot waterfall located in South Mountain State Park near Connelly Springs, North Carolina. The park also includes hiking and equestrian trails, campsites, picnic areas and trout fishing.
The quickest way to the waterfall is to take the main drive to the very end and park in the Jacob Fork parking lot. The hike to the waterfall is about a mile from the parking area. From there, you can start on either of two trails which later combine into one.
Hemlock Nature Trail
The Hemlock Nature trail ambles next to Jacob Fork River with lookout points and information signs along the route. The Headquarters (H.Q.) trail starts on the main gravel path which sits higher. I recommend the Hemlock trail for the sights.
When the two trails join, the path crosses a small bridge over Shinny Creek. A little further into the walk is where the High Shoals Falls Loop trail splits. Take the left path and follow the loop clockwise.
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail
The trail follows the Jacob Fork River upstream providing some scenic views even before you reach the falls. The terrain has two areas with large slanted rocks and visitors are required to use bridges and staircases along the way.
Bridge Over Jacob Fork River
Three-quarters of a mile from the parking area, a bridge and boardwalk over the river give you a first glance at High Shoals Falls. Look up and peer through tree branches to see the top of the falls in the distance.
Here you also view cascades flowing through granite boulders at the base of the waterfall. This landscape can be just as beautiful as High Shoals itself.
High Shoals Falls Viewing Area
Cross the bridge to continue on to the viewing area. There are several steep stone and wooden steps to rise to the platform which rests on a huge boulder near the middle of the falls. You are close enough that – on windy days – I have been soaked with water; so be prepared if the weather calls for it.
This is a beautiful spot to enjoy the water rushing over the drop and take photos.
Finishing The Loop
To continue the loop, visitors will have a strenuous climb up another set of very steep steps. The route crosses over the river above the falls. It then heads back downhill through the forest to meet up at the intersection where the trail started.
You also have the choice of retracing your steps from the viewing platform and heading back downstream the way you came. I have done both. While I did see more wildlife on the last half of the loop, I still recommend turning around and enjoying the scenery again on the way back.
You also have the option to take the Hemlock Nature trail or the H.Q. trail back to the parking lot when you arrive at that junction. Both are relatively easy walks to finish off your hike. Visitors may want to enjoy the opposite trail from the one they started on. The H.Q. trail does offer easy access to a bathroom on the way back to the car.
I love reading your blog! Do you think the trails would be considered toddler friendly?
Yes! I think as long as someone is there to help them with the larger rocks, it’s toddler-friendly to the bridge. It might be harder to get to the overlook platform as that path is less defined.