So today we took a trip northeast from Charlotte to South Mountain State Park. The park boasts 40 miles of trails with heights nearing 3,000 feet and an 80 foot waterfall, among other features. Joy, Lisa and Alison were my partners in crime this time, but you won’t see any pictures of them because we were having camera issues that day. My batteries died about 15 minutes into the hike and Joy managed to drop hers twice. The second fall was fatal.

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We were lucky to be at the park before the warm spell melted all of the ice and snow from the river and falls. Since we’re hitting the 70s this week in Charlotte, I’m sure it wouldn’t last long.

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The first part of the hike that we chose to trek was the High Shoals Falls loop. This is what would be considered the tourist stop of the park. It’s a 2.7 mile loop from the Jacob Fork parking lot.
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So here’s the route we took; about 9 miles in all and mostly moderately rated after the initial hike up the waterfall. The High Shoals Falls loop trail (1.5mi) up to the Upper Falls trail (3mi). We connected with the Shinny Trail (2.5mi) off of that trail, which descended down to a beautiful valley where the trail paralleled the Shinny Creek. This area had the look and feel of a rain forrest, complete with ominous fog. We crossed over the creek hopping rock to rock (careful if there’s high water— you’ll need to pack wading shoes) and then met up with the Headquarters Trail (2mi) and back to the parking lot.

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The hike was great, although the entire group felt that it was a little easier than we expected. That’s not to say that there weren’t areas where we were dogging it due to the inclines, but I think the bulk of the stress was definitely on the initial ascent. I’ll take another, longer loop to one of the highest peaks in the park next time and report back on how that one treats me!

We stopped at The Court Street Grille on the way back through Lincolnton. It’s located on the square and you’ll spot it as you’re heading to the park if you watch. Good food and nice atmosphere. We were definitely in a food coma crash after that!

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Oh. I wanted to give some directions, since it was a little dicey finding the park on our first try. From Charlotte take 85S to 321N to 27W through Lincolnton. After about 15 miles turn right on NC18. Go about 2 miles, veering left at the fork in the road about half way, then turn left on Old NC18. There are signs for the park at this point. Follow Old NC18 for about 5 miles then turn left on NC 1901/Ward’s Gap Road. After about 1.5 miles you will veer right on to South Mountain Park Avenue/NC 1904 and head into the park.

See you out there!