There is gold in them thar hills! Well at least there used to be and maybe still is but to go prospecting and mining for it may get you into trouble but taking photos however, isn’t a problem at all, seeing as how that is how I spent my day once again at South Mountains State Park, in Western North Carolina.
South Mountains lies just approximately 57 miles southeast of my home here in Rutherfordton, North Carolina and affords some of the most splendid hiking to be found nearby. Though the mountains in this area are not as high or maybe even as spectacular as some others of the Blue Ridge and Black Mountain Range just to the north of Rutherfordton, they hold a beauty and biodiversity of their own and spring comes much earlier to them than those of a much higher altitude.
Trilliums are beginning to bloom at South Mountains and these are a bit different as most that I see are white or a deep red and white in color. In any case, these are some of the most beautiful flowers to be found in the springtime here in the mountains, regardless of color. Soon the entire landscape here will be in bloom.
Hiking South Mountains is not always easy though, as I have commented many a time to others, "no matter where you hike in Western North Carolina, it is all up hill, even when you're coming back down!" With that being said, while hiking within the boundries of the state park, you had better get used to these.
Steps and ladders are a common sight here. The terrain is steep and rugged for the most part and if you are planning a hike to High Shoals Falls, then get used to these and others made of stone. It is also a good idea to wear shoes befitting of the terrain and also bring with you an ample supply of water.
Here was something that I found to be interesting. This stone escarpment is known as the "Hugo Rockslide." It is a direct result of hurricane Hugo which roared through this area back in 1989 and is also an example of exfoliation. A warning placard is posted at the base of the escarpment, warning climbers to stay off as loose large slabs of stone may become dislodged at any time.
Well here is where the really journey begins. Someone once said, "it is not the destination but the journey that is important." Those words ring true here, as one makes their way up the slopes to the High Shoals waterfall, a waterfall of some 80 feet in height. A glimps of the smaller falls associated with High Shoals can be seen in the background of this photo.
Another photo depicting what is to come during the grueling trek to the summit and the falls. One might would think that with all these steps and bridges, it would be an easy hike. After a short while, your legs will be telling you different but not to deter one from adventuring forth, take your time and take short rests along the way. Not only are there stone steps and wooden stairs to aid in the climb, there are also rest areas along the way, with comfortable benches where one may rest tired anatomical parts.
Okay, this is the last one that I will show you all for now. There are a number of places like this, where the water surges and pours over large boulders and rocks directly below High Shoals and though once you reach High Shoals the adventure or hike does not end there, for the trail will wind ever upwards, taking you well above the 80 foot waterfall to a most beautiful and pristine camping area that one seldom finds. Of course this camping area can only be accessed by foot or by horseback arriving in from a different access point.
