Hiking to waterfalls is fun in any season, especially when the trail is as beautiful and versatile as the High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail at South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs, North Carolina. If you’re hiking this trail in the winter, you may want to put some spikes on the bottom of your boots to help navigate the many stairs. On this scenic hike, you’ll wind past a mountain creek strewn with moss-covered boulders and to a gigantic waterfall.

The journey takes you to a viewing platform at the base of High Shoals Waterfall, a beast of a waterfall the drops 80 feet to a plunge line below.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
If you take the loop counter-clockwise, then the falls will be nearer to the end of your hike after you've finished most of the stairs.
Google Maps/Div Manickam
The trail follows the beautiful Jacob Fork River for a good distance. Most people should be able to finish this hike in less than three hours.
Google Maps/Div Manickam
Relax, take your time and unwind as you take in all of the scenery.
Google Maps/Div Manickam

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The boulder-strewn creek is a gorgeous place to stop for photos.
alltrails/Kat Vu
During the summer and fall, High Shoals Waterfall Trail is heavily trafficked, so you may want to consider going very early in the morning on the weekends, or scheduling your hiking trip for a weekday if going during those months.
In the last part of the hike, you'll encounter the boardwalk leading to the observation deck at the waterfall.
alltrails/Whit Mcconnell
The layers of shoals at the base of the falls are very picturesque and surrounded by a moss-covered landscape.
But by far, the main attraction is the waterfall itself. After a heavy rainfall, the powerful stream blasts over the ledge of High Shoals, barking out a thunderous rage as it pours to the shoals below.
Google Maps/Div Manickam
You'll use every muscle in your thighs and calves on this hike, which has a total elevation change of 967 feet (mostly in the form of stairs).
AllTrails.com

Have you hiked the High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail at South Mountain State Park yet? The state park is open every day of the year, except Christmas. Hours vary by season. You can see the hours on the official website for South Mountains State Park. Admission is free. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails.com.

For more must-visit waterfalls in North Carolina, read all about the hikes to Moore Cove Falls and to a hidden waterfall park in the Tar Heel State.

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South Mountains State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA