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High Shoals Falls

Connelly Springs, North Carolina

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.47 miles

Elevation Gain

617 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

This 2.5 mile loop through South Mountains State Park leads to the observation deck for 80 foot High Shoals Falls (80').

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'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep right at the intersection to loop back to the parking lot.

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Features

Hiking
Forest
River
Waterfall

High Shoals Falls Reviews

It was a great hike. The stairs going up to the waterfall were pretty steep but definitely doable. It was a nice moderate hike, it had some strenuous spots but not overwhelming.

The first trail me and my wife have embarked on that this app has found for us, loved it, the falls was beautiful, the trek back down was a bit rocky but no problem. Would recommend

My husband and I love this place. Wonderful hike and beautiful scenery!!

Nice not too long hike to some very beautiful falls.

We traveled to the park from Charlotte hoping to hike to the knob however trails were closed due to fire damage so we opted for this waterfall hike. Blessing in disguise. This was one of the most impressive falls we have seen on our cross country trip. We were lucky to visit on a week day and right after it had been raining in the area for several days. The falls were three times their normal flow!

I went on a Sunday, weather was great. This feels too "commercialized" The access to the water is very limited any where but the creek at the bottom. There were too many people going up and down the stair (100+).. Really beautiful spot, not the best for us. The hike up was tough with all the steps but it was still short, used to 5 miles in/out with greater elevation having just moved from AZ. Recommend this hike for newer hikers and people who aren't looking for an all day event, we took our time and did whole loop in an hour.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail

High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

Chestnut Knob via River Trail

Explore Lake James State Park

Geitner Rotary Park Loop

Camp on Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge