High Shoals Falls

A surprisingly high, nearly vertical plunge makes up this waterfall in a part of the state not really known for its falling water. The beautiful pool at the base leads into more cascades, which you'll pass on your way up.

Directions

Driving

From I-40 Exit 105 near Morganton, it's about 22 miles to the parking area. There are signs for the State Park at every turn.

Follow NC Hwy. 18 South for about 10.8 miles. Turn right on Sugar Loaf Road and go 4.2 miles. Turn left on Old NC Hwy. 18 and go 2.7 miles, then turn right onto Wards Gap Road. From here it's about 5 miles to the visitor center/parking area at the end of the road (which becomes South Mountains Park Ave. along the way). Park in the Jacob Fork parking area.

Directions on Google Maps

Trail

From the parking area, follow the signs to the falls. You can take either trail from the far end of the parking area. I recommend the Hemlock nature trail, which follows closer to the creek, but both trails soon join together. (The other is called the H.Q. trail).

Shortly, the trail crosses over Shinny Creek and splits. Head left, then left again, up the left side of the High Shoals Falls Loop trail. (Follow the signs). The trail climbs, somewhat steeply up steps at times, to the base of the falls after passing some nice cascades below. The trail length is about 1.5 miles round trip, but you can make longer hikes on other trails in the park.