Anytime you can combine a hike with a waterfall you can bet the outcome will be especially rewarding. On this North Carolina trail, the journey is also a huge part of the fun. The High Shoals Waterfall and HQ Trail is located near Connelly Springs and between Morganton and Hickory. And boy, is it a hike that will lead you on an adventure like no other. Take a look:

To begin with, there are two options for this hike. Both feature a breathtaking view of the 60-foot drop over the cliff, easily seen from the viewing platform.
alltrails.com/Justin Lambert
Firstly, you can JUST hike to the viewing platform. That part of the hike is one mile each way. You'll love the peace and serenity found in this dense forest setting, and you may make a few friends along the way on this moderately trafficked trail.
alltrails.com/Kelly Self
The second option is to continue on the HQ loop that adds another 2.7 mile loop to the hike. And this is where the true adventure begins.
alltrails.com/Dustin Strickland
You'll travel more deeply into the forest along a well-marked pathway that includes several bridges.
alltrails.com/Maria Pahang
alltrails.com/Maria Pahang

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alltrails.com/Maria Pahang
And... many sets of stairs.
alltrails.com/Maria Pahang
But all those stairs and all those bridges make the experience all the more unique. As you can see, though, the HQ Loop is not for someone with bad knees. In addition to the stairs, there are also some rocks to negotiate on the climb.
alltrails.com/Tonya Lowman
But the magic you'll find at the top of the trail is completely worth all that effort.
alltrails.com/Josh Winchester
The High Shoals and HQ Trails are not for beginner hikers. The trail is rated hard and is just shy of five miles round trip. If you're up for the journey, then this trail offers some major rewards.
alltrails.com/Daniel Liebel
The trail is located in South Mountains State Park, considered one of the most rugged areas in North Carolina.
alltrails.com

South Mountains State Park is located at 3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. May to September; 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m March, April and October; 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in November, and 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. December, January and February. Get more information from the official website of the North Carolina State Parks and from alltrails.com.

Love exploring all things North Carolina? Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In North Carolina Who Loves The Outdoors.

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