Things to Do in South Mountain State Park
South Mountain State Park is a state park in North Carolina, encompassing over 19,000 acres of rugged and picturesque landscapes. The park's dramatic topography, carved from the Blue Ridge, features elevations reaching 3,000 feet, numerous mountain streams, and deep woodland settings. This diverse environment provides a natural setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and more.
Things to Do in South Mountain State Park
South Mountain State Park offers more than 10 routes across several sports,…
102
Routes
4.7
(102)
Average rating
1798
People visited
5.0
(7)
86
hikers
10.6km
03:03
260m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
20
hikers
17.3km
04:51
350m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
20
hikers
18.8km
05:16
430m
240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
17
hikers
12.2km
03:30
280m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(4)
65
riders
18.2km
01:26
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
68.3km
04:34
1,070m
1,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
75
riders
49.6km
03:59
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
77
riders
61.9km
05:21
180m
180m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
runners
8.10km
01:05
220m
220m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
10
runners
11.1km
01:26
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
runners
8.22km
00:55
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
11.5km
01:37
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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3
riders
15.8km
01:29
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
13
riders
19.9km
01:55
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
12.3km
01:08
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
6
riders
17.2km
01:42
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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1
riders
54.4km
02:48
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
72.5km
03:59
600m
600m
Hard road ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
70.5km
03:34
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
107km
05:36
1,660m
1,660m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(8)
17
riders
26.8km
01:50
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
riders
85.4km
04:53
930m
930m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
10
riders
27.9km
02:21
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
172km
11:12
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Explore the region
Most popular attractions in South Mountain State Park
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available at South Mountain State Park?
South Mountain State Park offers a range of outdoor activities including Hiking, Jogging, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The park features more than 40 miles of trails across its 19,000+ acres. Visitors have rated the park's 17 routes with an average of 4.66 stars.
Are there hiking trails to waterfalls in South Mountain State Park?
Yes, the park features the 80-foot High Shoals Falls. The High Shoals Falls Loop Trail is a 2.7-mile (4.3 km) moderate hike that leads to observation decks near the waterfall. More information can be found in the Waterfall hikes in South Mountain State Park guide.
What are some easy hiking trails for beginners or families in South Mountain State Park?
The Hemlock Nature Trail is an accessible 0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop along the Jacob Fork River, suitable for easy walks. For more options, consult the Easy hikes in South Mountain State Park and Family-friendly hikes in South Mountain State Park guides.
Is mountain biking permitted in South Mountain State Park?
Yes, South Mountain State Park is one of the few state parks in North Carolina that permits mountain biking. It features an 18-mile (29 km) loop trail that follows old logging roads through the backcountry. The park also offers routes for Touring cycling, Road cycling, and Gravel biking.
Are dogs allowed on trails in South Mountain State Park?
Information regarding dog policies can vary by trail and park regulations. It is advisable to check the official park website for current rules on pet access. A guide on Dog-friendly hikes in South Mountain State Park is available.
What are the notable natural features or viewpoints in South Mountain State Park?
The park's dramatic topography includes elevations up to 3,000 feet (914 m) at points like Buzzard's Roost and Icy Knob, offering panoramic views. The 80-foot (24 m) High Shoals Falls is a prominent natural feature. The Chestnut Knob Trail provides expansive mountain vistas.
How many routes are available in South Mountain State Park on komoot?
South Mountain State Park features 17 routes on komoot, covering various sports such as hiking, jogging, and cycling. These routes have been explored by more than 17,000 visitors and hold an average rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars.
Are there specific komoot guides for South Mountain State Park activities?
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the park, including Hiking in South Mountain State Park, Running Trails in South Mountain State Park, and Cycling in South Mountain State Park. Other guides cover family-friendly, easy, dog-friendly, and waterfall hikes.
What is the official website and contact number for South Mountain State Park?
The official website for South Mountain State Park is ncparks.gov/south-mountains-state-park. For direct inquiries, the park's phone number is (828) 433-4772.
What is the total area of South Mountain State Park?
South Mountain State Park is the largest state park in North Carolina, encompassing over 19,000 acres (7,689 hectares). This extensive area provides a diverse natural environment for various outdoor pursuits.
Are there any trails suitable for jogging in South Mountain State Park?
Yes, the park's extensive network of trails, including those that follow old logging roads, offers numerous routes suitable for jogging. These routes provide varied terrain and scenic backdrops. Refer to the Running Trails in South Mountain State Park guide for specific options.
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