High Shoals Falls — Attraction in Morganton

First of all, I would like to say that my low review of this place has nothing whatsoever to do with the beauty of the waterfall. High Shoals Falls is a very scenic and beautiful waterfall and certainly worth paying a visit. My low review comes from the fact that this place was so overcrowded on the day of my visit that there is no way that NC State Parks can live up to their mission statement when people are climbing all over every single rock, swimming and wading in every single pool, climbing over fences to get to unsafe places, smoking, and littering. At what point does the gate need to be closed so that the whole reason for preserving a place is protected? Granted, I know its hot and people want to cool off, but what gives them the right to throw their trash everywhere, trample areas of sensitive vegetation, and just go about destroying a place just because its there? This was my first time to South Mountains State Park and I have never seen such overuse of a State Park facility in my life. As a tax payer and citizen of North Carolina, I think more should be done on the protection and preservation side of things than what is currently happening. I've seen accidents in National Parks due to human stupidity and there's nothing that can ruin a trip quicker than seeing something tragic happen. Human stupidity was on display on this particular day and I just knew my kids were going to see somebody get hurt or killed. Thankfully they didn't! There were no rangers anywhere in sight. Why? Because they were having to direct traffic. Again, I have to ask, at what point does it become too much for the resource to handle. I hope NC State Parks realizes that they've created a monster, at least at this...

High Shoals Falls is an 80-foot cascade on Jacob Fork, a Class III Outstanding Resource Waterbody and trout protection area.

The falls are accessed by the 2.5-mile High Shoals Falls Loop trail (blazed by a blue circle) approximately 1.9 miles from the trailhead, walking clockwise. A clockwise route is recommended by park staff because it includes the stairway portion earlier in the hike, and leaves a more moderate downslope return to the parking area.

Note the blaze, because the waterfall can be incorporated into much longer, overlapping and spur routes.

The hike begins and in a wet, riparian forest with a deciduous canopy and sensitive herbaceous vegetation, so stay on the path to prevent erosion. Wildflowers, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, lady slipper and foam flowers, as well as shrubs like mountain laurel, azaleas, and rhododendrons can be seen.

The top of the falls are considered by most to be too shallow to swim and contain slick, dangerous rocks. However the trail and stairs get quite close to the water's edge allowing excellent photo opportunities.

The upper portion of the trail contains mature mixed hardwoods as well as a few hemlock and other mixed conifers.

Listen carefully and you might identify one of more than 60 species of birds, such as a ruffed grouse, black-throated green warbler and rose-breasted grosbeak. You may also find Acadian flycatchers, common crows, Carolina chickadees, wood thrushes, red-eyed vireos, oven birds, hooded warblers, indigo buntings and Eastern towhees. Common ravens also nest in the cliffs above the falls.

Pets are allowed on the trail, but are subject to leash and litter laws, and the full length may be too difficult...

Great experience! Beautiful views. Refreshing water! I wouldn't normally go for a hike when it's 95 and humid but, it was my birthday🎂 and the perfect way to experience it.

Experience: approximately 2.5 miles round trip. The trail is wide in the beginning which is nice. It becomes more narrow and rocky as you progress but that's the beauty of nature! The last leg towards the falls was a little tough because of the climb. The heat and humidity was more likely the real challenge. It's probably much easier on a cooler, less humid day. It was a wknd so lots of families were there. I thought I was going on a solo excursion 😆 but I'm also glad I wasn't alone (for the sake of safety). Overall it was a great hike! I enjoyed the water in areas that could be accessed safely. I mention this for a reason 👇.

Warning: There was a life threatening incident that occurred with another family who ignored posted signs. *Sadly a child was injured. Signs say no swimming. Truly, it's unsafe and it takes a long time to get help! Think about that before making a decision to go into the falls! The water looks fun but those rocks under the water are very slippery! If you can't resist, do yourself a favor and bring pool shoes with rubber soles 👟. Lastly, it is not the place to bring alcohol for obvious reasons.

Recommended: Nonetheless, bring along cold water. Perhaps being along some "all natural" bug repellent 🌱 for minimal disruption to the ecosystem.

Be Responsible/ Respectful: If you bring trash 🗑️ in, how about you take it out with you. Why entice bears? That creates a safety issue for all visitors! Plus it's unappealing. Beer cans and dirty diapers! Free access doesn't mean free...