SOUTH
MOUNTAINS CONTINUED
After descending
on the Chestnut Knob Trail to the Shinny Creek Trail, turn right
and head up the old CCC road. The Civilian Conservation Corp had
a camp in the South Mountains in the 1930's. Remnants of their great
achievements are visible to this day, including the old road that
you are walking on. At the junction of the High Shoals Falls Trail,
it's well marked, turn left.
This rhododendron lined trail is a sharp contrast to the Chestnut
Knob Trail. Instead of views, waterfalls and cool clear pools are
the feature of this hike. You are faced with a trail lined with
ferns, mosses and ginseng. The trail passes many swimming holes
along the way. (Hint, Hint !!)
 This
water is as clean as it gets. Still, it must be filtered or boiled
for human consumption. Even without a "dip" in the cold
Jacobs Fork Creek, the dense undergrowth will cool you with it's
shade.
 Although
the walk to the High Shoals Falls is only a mile, it feels like
it's longer. So close to that dusty parking lot, yet a world away,
in this dense and moist forest. The sound of rushing water fills
the air for the entire hike!
 As
you approach to falls, the incline becomes steeper. The State Park
has installed wooden steps to make the climb easier. This has also
protected the under story that grows from the rocks. The climb for
this short stretch can be rated as strenuous, many hikers "fall
out" and rest here. There are also benches installed to accommodate
the "huffing and puffing" set !
 The
steps lead you to a great deck that is below the High Shoals Falls.
This is not only a good photo opportunity, it can be very welcome
after the sweaty climb. The 80 foot fall of the Jacobs Fork Creek
is one of the more beautiful cascades in the park.
 After
cooling off in the mist a short climb to the top remains.Many people
gather at this location to congratulate each other on the achievement
of their great climb ! There are benches here and a small footbridge
that crosses well above the falls. Needless to say, the rocks are
slippery and 80 feet is a long way to fall.
The trail continues,
in a loop, back to the picnic area. The loop trail leaves the creek
and travels through an oak and hickory forest. This trail passes
a great backcountry campsite and travels through a oak hickory forest.
Many back track to see more views of the beautiful creek. It's also
fun to go down the steep climb that you just negotiated.
Note:
There are also backcountry campsites, with
a permit, for a more quiet experience. If you want to put on a pack,
there are some great campsites in less visited areas in the park.
Stop by the Park Office before heading for the backcountry. Trail
maps are available at the trail-heads.
GETTIN'
THERE
South Mountain
State Park is 18 miles south of Morganton. Take exit 105 from I-40
and turn left on 18 at the bottom of the ramp. Follow the signs
for 18 miles. From the south you can take Highway 27 west from Lincolnton,
NC. West of Lincolnton turn right on 18 and follow the signs.
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