Despite all the recent rain we’ve been experiencing in the Carolinas, the weather has been nice enough for a day or two so that Ethan and I could FINALLY get out and explore. During this go-around, we took to South Mountains State Park in Burke County, NC for a great outdoor adventure.
This North Carolina State Park is located only about an hour and twenty minutes outside of Charlotte and features beautiful hiking trails, an 80-foot waterfall, and perfect streams for trout fishing. Normally, I am a bass-fishing type of girl. However, when the COVID-19 restrictions on parks recently were lifted, my significant other introduced me to fly fishing which shortly became my new favorite hobby.
When we arrived at the park, both times we had to wait for one car in one car out entry. (We got there around 10:30 am both times too) We only waited around 45 minutes but I do recommend trying and getting there as early as you can. We took the High-falls loop our first time at the park, which is a bit longer but worth it.
We only passed around five people on the trail and seeing the waterfall from the top was worth it. Though hiking up the mountain wasn’t so simple, once past the waterfall, the hike down was a lot easier and less crowded. It seemed to me that more people parked in the closer lot and hiked up to see the waterfall, which made for harder social distancing. My advice, take a long way around…it’s scenic and safer.
After we parked in the second by the camping sites, we hiked into the backcountry areas with a backpack full of equipment to catch some fish. At South Mountains State Park, there are many miles of trout fishing which include Jacob’s Fork and Shinny Creek. I recommend trying out the spots where no one is (you get the best fishing there) but watch out for snakes and giant spiders. We were able to catch a variety of native North Carolina trout during our visits (see images below) and I can tell you some great spots are where NO ONE is. (a true fisherman NEVER reveals their locations) I will say you will have luck catching a trout along the Shinny Creek Loop Trail.
Overall, we had a great time exploring another great state park in North Carolina. If you want to find your perfect trail in North Carolina you can check out the best trails here. Some other great state parks nearby you can visit are Croft State Park in Spartanburg, SC, Woods Ferry State Park in Sumter, SC, and Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock, NC. Stay safe friends and remember to practice safe social distancing!
With Love,
Lex Paige
