
Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
Trails

South Mountains State Park is hiring for the summer!
Position: General Utility Worker.
Work includes facility and grounds management, including but not limited to, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash cans, mowing and trimming grass, trail maintenance, visitor assistance and assisting park staff in other necessary park operations.
This position is 40 hours a week, up to 6 months. Weekend and holiday work is required. Some evening shifts are required. Pay is $12/hour.
Must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license.
If interested, complete the NC PD-107 Paper Application for Employment and email to south.mountains@ncparks.gov or mail to the park at 3001 South Mountains State Park Ave, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.
Please call the office at 828-433-4772 with any further questions.
PARK UPDATES
Weekend Visitation:
Spring brings more people out to enjoy the park. Expect up to a 30min delay between 11am and 2pm on Sat/Sun at the Jacob Fork Access. Once parking areas fill to capacity, rangers may direct traffic for visitor safety.
CURRENTLY, THE FAMILY CAMPGROUND IS FULL EVERY WEEKEND APRIL-JULY 2022. Campsites, particularly in the Family Campground, are often reserved many weeks in advance. The park doesn't have any "first-come" or "walk-in" sites. Please plan ahead to stay in this popular park. Cancellations may create an opening, so check the website frequently.
TRAILS
Clear Creek Access:
Lakeview Trail includes at least one creek crossing that is difficult to cross safely without getting your feet wet during or immediately following heavy rain. Please plan ahead.
Our credit card machine is down indefinitely and we are only able to do cash sales at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Last updated on: Friday, November 5, 2021OPEN TODAY
Bike trails:OPEN TODAY
Contact the park
828-433-4772
south.mountains@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Jacob Fork access
and visitor center
3001 South Mountain Park Ave.
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
GPS: 35.5963, -81.6000
Clear Creek access
(day-use only)
5999 Branstrom Orchard St.
Morganton, NC 28655
GPS: 35.6424, -81.7524
Hours
►
- December to February:
7:00am to 7:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
List of trails
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. There is also an accessible, educational trail along the Jacob Fork River.
The trail serves as a boundary between North Carolina gamelands and the park. Benn Knob Peak is a restricted area.
2.90 miles
one way
moderate hike
orange triangle
The trail ascends 1.2 miles to a scenic view of High Shoals Falls and Hugo Rock. It continues another 1.4 miles up to Chestnut Knob Overlook. This rock outcropping offers a beautiful view of the Jacob Fork Gorge.
2.10 miles
one way
strenuous hike
white diamond
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.
2.00 miles
one way
strenuous hike
white circle
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.
3.70 miles
one way
strenuous hike
white hexagon
The trail provides access to Shinny Creek Trail, the Shinny Creek Backcountry Campsite and the Upper Falls Trail.
1.90 miles
one way
strenuous hike
orange hexagon
Park Maps and Brochures: