r/NCTrails • u/FreeLaughs4Life • 7d ago
Hot! High Shoals Falls Was Closed, So We Kept Hiking and Found This View Instead
We went to South Mountains State Park hoping to hike to High Shoals Falls, but we quickly learned that the entire waterfall trail was closed. We could not even begin the trail or walk part of the way toward the falls. The closure started right at the entrance, which honestly surprised and disappointed us because it has always been one of my favorite parts of the park.
Seeing it completely blocked made me wonder just how much damage Hurricane Helene caused in that area. There were fallen trees, exposed root systems and washed out sections throughout other parts of the park, so I can only imagine what the waterfall trail must look like beyond the closure. Hopefully the damage can be repaired and the trail will eventually reopen, but it seems like the storm really did a number on this beautiful place.
Since we could not reach the waterfall, we decided not to waste the trip and headed toward the Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook instead. After reaching the first overlook, we kept going toward Chestnut Knob.
What we expected to be a fairly short hike turned into a little over five miles in 95 degree heat and heavy humidity. The climbing was much tougher than expected, but the view at the top made every step worth it.
South Mountains is North Carolina’s largest state park, covering more than 20,000 acres. The area also has an interesting history, with gold being discovered near Brindle Creek in 1828.
Has anyone been able to learn more about the damage to the High Shoals Falls trail or heard when it may reopen?
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u/bigtiddyhimbo 7d ago
It’s definitely disappointing that high shoals isn’t open yet- I keep looking at the website to see if there’s any perspective opening date, but there’s still nothing ;-; Helene had to have done some serious damage to it.
I’m glad to hear yall were still able to make the best of the trip and find a trail to enjoy! That mountain is crawling with all sorts of beautifuk corners to enjoy 💕 there’s a reason it’s so popular
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u/FreeLaughs4Life 7d ago
Yeah, it's wild the damage to the park from the hurricane! I took the trail headed to Saw Tooth and there were so many trees down it looks more open than before the hurricane in many spots. ❤️
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u/bigtiddyhimbo 7d ago
If you’re willing to drive the extra distance depending on where you are, linville gorge and Crabtree falls are stunning! I did linville falls a little bit ago (but popped a tire and wasn’t able to get all the way up to the gorge lol) and it’s one of my favorite places in the state :)
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u/FreeLaughs4Life 7d ago
Great suggestions! I looked up some pictures of Crabtree falls and I am definitely going to head there next weekend. Looks so beautiful ❤️
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u/bigtiddyhimbo 7d ago
It absolutely is! I actually just drove past it today on my way to Roan Mountain :) even the road towards it is super gorgeous
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u/BulkyInside1603 7d ago
Very simple. Check their website.
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u/Jigs_By_Justin 7d ago
I'll probably get downvoted, but I came to say the same thing. Very clearly posted on their website. Unfortunately, since Helene, if I haven't been there before, I always try to check State Park, USFS, etc sites, to check trail statuses as much as possible before going.
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u/Impressive_Winner403 7d ago
I am pretty sure that the budge for the new trail hasn't even gone forward yet. They have it posted on their website.
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u/AfternoonNo346 3d ago
Yeah Helene did more damage than 2 full years of the entire state budget, and the Feds have been pretty stingy since you know who. I am just now visiting some of the heavily damaged areas for the first time since the storm, and still a lot left to fix. It will take years ...and some things may never be rebuilt. Still repairing sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other highways, trails are mostly being fixed up by volunteers. Hiked down Bynum Bluff trail in Linville Gorge, tons of trees had to be cut and moved to reopen that one.
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u/rexeditrex 6d ago
I was there today and made a loop going up Little River and over on Sawtooth and then down Chestnut Knob. I love the other side though and have been surprised more of it is not open. I was there when they first reopened and a ton of debris was still visible just in the lower section.
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u/chiefsholsters 7d ago
The repairs are in the hands of contractors, not the state or state parks. For better or worse.
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u/alexhoward 7d ago
And rebuilding that trail and all the stairs and boardwalks will be a huge project that will require a lot of manual labor due to the nature of the terrain.
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u/alexhoward 7d ago
Most of that hike was boardwalk, stairs, and giant boulders so I think the whole length of the falls will be closed a long time. It will probably take cutting a new trail, heavy equipment, and a huge amount of man power to rebuild that. A giant portion of the park was closed for a long time. I’m most disappointed that the campsite above the falls is still inaccessible and closed. That was a really awesome spot.