Trails
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 11:00am
Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 11:00am
Saturday, December 29, 2018 - 11:00am
Trail Conditions
South Mountains State Park received approximately 10-14 inches of snow this past weekend. Trails are currently covered in snow and ice. Boots and hiking sticks are strongly recommended. Please remember to dress in layers and come prepared to safely enjoy the winter wonderland. Avoid trails with stream crossings as snow and ice melt will result in higher streams with chunks of ice floating in them. High Shoals Falls Loop is open but very challenging. Steps and rocks aren't visible under the snow, and footing will be tricky. Saddleback Trail will remain closed as snow and ice melt. Please remember, in case of an emergency, staff response times will be delayed until conditions improve. Stay on the trails. Be prepared for freezing temperatures. Please contact the park office with any questions. Enjoy your visit!
Last updated on: Tuesday, December 11, 2018Trails
Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are accommodated on a trail system that also gives access to backcountry campsites. Rugged terrain offers trail segments that are moderate to strenuous, but there’s an accessible, educational along the Jacob Fork River.
Benn Knob Trail
Location: Connects Lower CCC Trail to Raven Rock Trail. Closest access is 5 mi from the Jacob Fork parking area.
Description:
The trail serves as a boundary between North Carolina gamelands and the park. Benn Knob Peak is a restricted area.
Point of Interest: Benn Knob is one of the highest peaks in the park.
Length:
2.90 miles
One-way
2.90 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Moderate
Moderate
Blaze:
orange triangle
orange triangle
Surface: Natural surface
Chestnut Knob Trail
Location: Starts off of High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, 0.2 mi from the Jacob Fork parking area.
Description:
The trail ascends one mile to a scenic view of High Shoals Falls. It continues another mile up to Chestnut Knob. This rock outcropping offers a beautiful view of the Jacob Fork Gorge.
Point of Interest: Winter viewing of High Shoals Falls. Beautiful view of the South Mountains range from the top.
Length:
2.10 miles
One-way
2.10 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Strenuous
Blaze:
white diamond
white diamond
Surface: Natural surface
Clear Creek Trail
Location: Starts at the Clear Creek Dam.
Description:
Clear Creek Trail is the only trail on the western side of the park at present. This “out and back” trail starts at the Clear Creek Dam and ascends into the Clear Creek Watershed for a quiet, reflective retreat into nature. The Clear Creek Access area is open from sunrise to sunset.
Point of Interest: The 22 ac. Clear Creek lake is adjacent to this trail.
Length:
2.00 miles
One-way
2.00 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Strenuous
Blaze:
white circle
white circle
Surface: Natural surface
Fox Trail
Location: Connects Lower CCC Trail to Raven Rock Trail. Closest access is 4.1 mi from the Jacob Fork parking area.
Description:
This remote trail has an expansive vista of the Blue Ridge at the eastern end of the trail. It descends to Nettle Branch and then winds around mountains ridges.
Point of Interest: A confederate soldier’s grave is located at the western end of the trail near the Fox Backcountry Campsite.
Length:
3.70 miles
One-way
3.70 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Strenuous
Blaze:
white hexagon
white hexagon
Headquarters Trail
Location: Starts at the Shinny Creek picnic area, 0.5 mi from the Jacob Fork parking area.
Description:
The trail provides access to Shinny Creek Trail, the Shinny Creek Backcountry Campsite and the Upper Falls Trail.
Point of Interest: One of the main artery trails which provides access to many other trails and backcountry camping areas.
Length:
1.90 miles
One-way
1.90 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Strenuous
Blaze:
orange hexagon
orange hexagon
Contact:
South Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountain Park Avenue
Connelly Springs, NC 28612Phone828-433-4772
south.mountains@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.596300
Longitude: -81.600000
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