South Mountains State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Bike & Bridle Trails

Open

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of South Mountains State Park

Located in Burke County 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake. 

Camping

  • Tent sites (including backpacking sites)
  • Trailer and RV sites (some with electric hookups)
  • Equestrian campsites
  • Showers
  • Firewood

 

Camping facilities are located at the Jacob Fork access only. There are currently no camping facilities at Clear Creek access.

Activities at Jacob Fork

  • Hiking (47 miles)
  • Biking (17 miles)
  • Horseback riding (35 miles)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Activities at Clear Creek

  • Hiking (3.5 miles)
  • Horseback riding (2 miles)
  • Paddling
  • Fishing

Amenities

  • Amphitheater
  • Auditorium and classroom
  • Picnic shelter
  • Visitor center and exhibits
  • Bathhouse
  • Horse trailer parking (at Jacob Fork and Clear Creek)

 

The amenities listed, except horse trailer parking, are available only at Jacob Fork access. Clear Creek has horse trailer parking and no other amenities at this time.

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Address

3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612

GPS: 35.5963, -81.6000

Current Weather

28612 Connelly Springs, NC

Address

5999 Branstrom Orchard St., Morganton, NC 28655

GPS: 35.6424, -81.7524

Current Weather

28655 Morganton, NC

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours

January 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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