COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 3:13pm |
Events and Programs
Due to recent storm and wind events, many of SOMOs trails have sustained damage that will take some time and effort to repair. Staff will be working on trails, but visitors need to use extreme caution or plan ahead and choose another route.
Shinny Trail: Shinny trail has multiple stream crossings and foot bridges that were damaged by recent flooding. 2 out of the 3 foot bridges have been displaced. Hikers/backpackers should choose another route or plan for at least 3-4 stream crossings shin deep without clear rock-hopping paths. Also, there are multiple places where the trail has washed out and trees with trail blazes have fallen, making route-finding challenging.
Fox: Unknown status as of 11/17. Waiting assessment.
Saddleback: Saddleback stream crossing rocks have all shifted and hikers should plan on knee deep water or avoid this trail.
Please contact park office for more information and updates. Thanks.
Last updated on: Wednesday, November 18, 2020The park is open daily from 7:00am to 8:00pm.
The visitor center is open. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter.
Picnic areas are open with tables spread out for social distancing and grills are open. Picnic shelters and the amphitheater are not available to reserve.
The family campground, equestrian campground, and backcountry campsites are open but may be FULL. There is no group camping permitted at South Mountains. Only six people or less per site.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CAMPSITES. All campers, including backpackers, must make a reservation through the system online or by phone (1-877-722-6762). There are no walk-ins. Campers can make same-day reservations up until 9:00pm on the day of your arrival. You must make a reservation before setting up camp on a campsite. You cannot place your personal belongings on a site to "reserve" the site for you. When you arrive for your reservation, use the free Wi-Fi near the visitor center to self-check-in using the Reserve America Camping App. FALL is very busy, and most campsites are already reserved in advance.
Weekend delays: Visitors should expect park entrance delays from 9:30am to 4:00pm on weekends. You may encounter a 30-minute to 1-hour wait time to get into Jacob Fork access. Visitors will be directed to other parking areas once the High Shoals Falls trailhead parking is full. Traffic into the park will be controlled by park rangers for visitor safety and for emergency access. Plan ahead and limit the number of vehicles you take to the park. Maps are available at the visitor center and trailhead kiosks.
Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3.
Last updated on: Monday, November 2, 2020Hikers, mountain-bikers and equestrian riders who plan to ride any portion of Benn Knob Trail should wear an item that is blaze orange. This trail is along boundary and runs through portions of South Mountains Game Lands. Hunting season is in progress. Be safe. Be seen. Now through Jan. 1, 2021.
Last updated on: Friday, October 23, 2020OPEN TODAY
Bike trails:OPEN TODAY
3001 South Mountain Park Ave.
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
828-433-4772
south.mountains@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.5963, -81.600
Open Daily (except Christmas Day) 7am
Closing Hours
December, January and February 7pm
November 8pm
March, April and October 9pm
May - September 10pm
Closed Christmas Day
Park Office
8am - 5pm weekdays and weekends
Closed Christmas Day
Scheduled events
South Mountains State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
There are no scheduled events at the park at this time. Please contact the park office for more information or check back again soon.
Park Maps and Brochures:
