High Shoals Falls

High Shoals Falls

A surprisingly high, nearly vertical plunge makes up this waterfall in a part of the state not really known for its falling water. The beautiful pool at the base leads down into a huge jumble of boulders with more cascades, which you'll pass on your way up the trail.

Statistics

  • Height: 50 ft
  • Elevation: 1650 ft
  • Stream: Jacob Fork
  • Landowner: South Mountains State Park
  • GPS: 35.594522, -81.635515

Hike Information

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 1.8mi
  • Tread Condition: Moderately Rough
  • Climbing: Climbs Moderately (320 ft)
  • Type: Out-and-back

Map

GPS Directions & Map

From Current Location or address:

Driving Directions

From I-40 Exit 105 near Morganton, it's about 22 miles to the parking area. There are signs for the State Park at every turn.

Follow NC Hwy. 18 South for about 10.8 miles. Turn right on Sugar Loaf Road and go 4.2 miles. Turn left on Old NC Hwy. 18 and go 2.7 miles, then turn right onto Wards Gap Road. From here it's about 5 miles to the visitor center/parking area at the end of the road (which becomes South Mountains Park Ave. along the way). Park in the large Jacob Fork parking area.