South Mountains State Park is a state park in North Carolina, characterized by its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes where the Piedmont meets the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elevations in the park reach up to 3,000 feet, creating a challenging environment for outdoor activities. The area features an extensive trail system winding through deep woodlands and along mountain streams, making it suitable for several sports like hiking and jogging.
South Mountains State Park…
29
Routes
4.8
(21)
Average rating
218
People visited

14
hikers
15.5km
04:41
600m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
8
hikers
7.82km
02:31
330m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
7
hikers
20.4km
06:05
670m
560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
4
hikers
9.11km
02:45
310m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
runners
11.4km
01:32
340m
340m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
15.2km
01:52
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

2
runners
8.67km
01:10
320m
320m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

5.11km
00:37
100m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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South Mountains State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The park features nearly 50 miles of trails, with 37 routes available on komoot. These routes have an average rating of 4.67 stars from more than 700 visitors.
South Mountains State Park is known for its rugged mountainous terrain, extensive trail system, and natural features like High Shoals Falls. It is considered one of North Carolina's most rugged parks, with elevations reaching up to 3,000 feet. The park also offers a backcountry experience and diverse camping options.
High Shoals Falls is a major highlight, accessible via a popular 2.7-mile [4.3 km] loop trail. Other notable trails include those leading to summits and various scenic points. For more detailed information, consult the Hiking in South Mountains State Park guide.
Yes, South Mountains State Park is one of the few parks in the North Carolina state park system that allows mountain biking. It offers a challenging 17 to 18-mile [27 to 29 km] loop trail for experienced riders. There is 1 mountain biking route available on komoot.
South Mountains State Park provides various paths suitable for jogging. There are 11 jogging routes documented on komoot. For specific recommendations and route details, refer to the Running Trails in South Mountains State Park guide.
Yes, South Mountains State Park offers trails ranging from easy to very strenuous. Visitors can find suitable options for less challenging walks. For specific easy routes, explore the Easy hikes in South Mountains State Park guide.
The primary natural feature is High Shoals Falls, an 80-foot [24-meter] waterfall on the Jacob Fork River. The park also features rugged mountainous terrain, deep woodlands, and numerous mountain streams. Other highlights include various summits and trails.
High Shoals Falls is located within South Mountains State Park and is a major attraction. It is accessible via a 2.7-mile [4.3 km] loop trail. The hike involves boardwalks along cascading waters, with a strenuous section near the waterfall that includes many steps.
South Mountains State Park is popular among komoot users, with more than 700 visitors having shared their experiences. The 37 routes in the park have received an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for South Mountains State Park to help plan outdoor activities. These include Hiking in South Mountains State Park, Waterfall hikes in South Mountains State Park, Easy hikes in South Mountains State Park, and Running Trails in South Mountains State Park.
The official website for South Mountains State Park is ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park. For direct inquiries, the park can be reached by phone at +1-828-433-4772.
South Mountains State Park offers diverse camping options for visitors. These include backpack camping for those seeking a more remote experience, family camping facilities, and equestrian campsites for visitors with horses.
The park's deep woodland setting supports a rich biodiversity. Over 60 species of birds nest in the park, and various wildflowers are present. Wildlife includes salamanders, frogs, toads, eastern fence lizards, and several snake species.

