South Mountain State Park

South Mountain State Park, is located in one of the areas most rocky, and uneven parts of the state. South Mountain State Park features elevations up to 3,000 feet, an amazing 80- foot waterfall, many mountain streams, and more than 40 miles of stretched trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. South Mountain is a true backcountry experience that is offered through 24 backpacking campsites at 7 of the State Parks locations. Drive-to campsites sit beside the Jacob Fork River, with the river and its benefits offering miles of trout fishing. Equestrian camping is also available with trailer parking and a barn to complement 33 miles of bridle trails. Mountain bikers have the opportunity to enjoy a strenuous 17-mile loop of the trail to ride on. Two picnic areas and a picnic shelter are available for groups that visit the park. A visitor center offers museum-quality exhibits on the beautiful cultural and natural history of the South Mountains. 

History:

The South Mountains, carved right out of the Blue Ridge because of erosion, is a broad belt of peaks and knobs that rise abruptly from a deep valley. Water winding through the park to the Catawba River cuts deep into the terrain, forming rugged and steep slopes. These sharp, steep, uneven mountains encompass 10,000 acres that stretch over Burke, Cleveland, and Rutherford Counties. While most of the highest points average roughly 2,000 feet in elevation, Buzzard’s Roost towers approximately 3,000 feet above the localized landscape. Elevations within South Mountain State park itself range from less than 1,200 feet at some points along Jacob’s Fork River to 3,000 feet on Buzzards Roost along the park's western territory. The most spectacular feature in the park is the High Shoals Falls on the Jacob’s Fork River. The waterfall shows a magnificent torrent of water that drops 80 feet over a cliff face of bare rock. In addition to this sight. South Mountain also offers magnificent views and tranquility through the surrounding peaks and ridges visible at Chestnut Knob. 

The park was established as a result of recommendations made by a National Park Service study conducted in coordination with the state of North Carolina. Development of the land which is now more popularly known as South Mountain State Park began in the 1930s when Camp Dryer (CCC) Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established at Enola. Those that were employed at the camp constructed forest service roads, cleaned stream beds, and built a forest observation tower. The lower and Upper CCC roads are still in use today as trails at the park. Though proposals for the park began in the 1940s, it was not until 1974 that funds were appropriated to purchase the land. The first land acquisitions totaled 5,779 acres. Additional land has since been added, bringing the park to its present size of approximately 18,000 acres. 

In 1828, gold was discovered at Brindle Creek. Some legends hold that the gold flakes and grains that were first discovered in the mud were used to seal a log cabin. The ensuing gold rush attracted many immigrants, mining companies, and slave owners. Gold was mined here until the early 20th century, but activity in the gold mines started to eventually decline. 

General Information:

The deep woodland setting makes South Mountain State Park ideal for camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Backpack camping and family camping are very popular throughout the park, and group camping facilities are available in some of the various backpacking areas. Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs regarding the riparian environment of the park, like its plants, animals, watersheds, and trout-stream ecology. Trout fishing is especially good at any of the park's extensive miles of streams, most of which can be classified as Wild Trout waters. Although roughly 2 miles are classified as delayed harvest trout water. Horseback riding is welcome at South Mountain State Park, where 33 miles of equestrian trails wind through most of the woodlands. There is an equestrian campground across from the horse-trailer parking area and consists of 15 campsites, provided with a 33 stall barn, and a washhouse with hot showers and flushable toilets. Hikers have the option to choose from a variety of marked hiking trails through the rugged steep terrain. One of the most popular hiking trails is the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, which leads to a beautiful, clear waterfall. Visitors can enjoy all types of picnicking at the park's two picnic grounds. The Jacob’s Fork picnic area is accessible to visitors that may have disabilities. Along with hiking trails, there is also an 18-mile loop biking trail that is strenuous and challenging all while being scenic and beautiful. 

Ecology: 

South Mountain State Park offers different types of forests in the beautiful woodlands to observe. Some of which include pure conifer, mixed conifer, hardwood, and climax hardwood forests. With the area being relatively undeveloped it is a good example of ecologies from the upper piedmont to the mountains. Oak, Hickory, and a variety of Pines are the predominant species found in the park. If you walk along the park’s numerous streams you can enjoy a variety of beautiful wildflowers, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, lady slipper, foam flowers, Mountain Laurels, and Rhododendron. 

Wildlife is abundant throughout South Mountain State Park, many animals can go unseen by the casual visitor. Animals of all kinds reside in the park. Salamanders, Frogs, and Toads live in the moist areas of the park. Common reptiles found in the park include; Eastern Fence Lizards, Skinks, and a variety of smaller snakes. Although most of the snakes in the park are harmless and rarely encountered by visitors there are a few venomous Copperhead, and Timber Rattlesnake present, hikers should be aware of this and use caution while out on the trails. During the Spring and Summer months, the park comes alive with a symphony of chirping. More than 60 species of birds are known to nest in the South Mountains. There are also White-tailed Deer, Black Bears, and various other smaller mammals that call South Mountain State Park home. This includes Woodchucks, Chipmunks, the Gray Squirrel, Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and other small rodents like shrews, and moles.  

, Blue Ridge General Info. South Mountains State Park, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. January 1st 2020. Accessed February 28th 2022. https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/south-*mountains-state-park/.

File, Mark . South Mountains State Park PHOTO, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. January 1st 2020. Accessed February 28th 2022. https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/south-*mountains-state-park/.

, South Mountain State Park. Natural Resources , North Carolina State Parks. Accessed February 28th 2022. https://www.ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park/ecology.

, South Mountain State Park. History Highlights, North Carolina State Parks. Accessed February 28th 2022. https://www.ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park/history.