South Mountains State Park Trails
Trails within South Mountains State Park are accessible from the main park road, South Mountains State Park Avenue. There are several parking areas for trail access. The first you encounter is the Cicero Branch Parking Area, which offers access to the Jacob's Fork River and Raven Rock trails. The Little River trail can be accessed from here as well. At the end of the park road is the most popular parking area, the Jacob Fork Parking Area. Here, the most popular trail in the park - the High Shoals Falls Loop trail - begins and ends. High Shoals Falls is a worthy destination, but you can also reach other nice spots by taking the Short Trail, Hemlock Nature Trail, the Chestnut Knob, Shinny Creek, and Upper Falls trails, all of which lead further into the park and connect with longer, more remote mountain trails. For all the details, see the list below!
South Mountains State Park Trail Information
Hemlock Nature
Other Map ID: 6
This easy, accessible trail follows the beautiful Jacob Fork River. There are many interpretive signs along the way, explaining various aspects of the geology, flora and fauna of the area. You'll also pass the amphitheater where interpretive programs are held. The surface on this pleasant trail is hard-packed bonded pea-sized gravel, making it accessible to everyone.
High Shoals Falls Loop
Other Map ID: 7
Short, but steep, and very popular trail leads to High Shoals Falls. Follows the beautiful Jacob Fork river upstream to the falls beside huge boulders, large trees, and deep, clear pools. Surface gets quite rocky with many bridge and staircase structures along the way. Climbs along this part of the trail are moderately steep. Then, above the falls, the trail climbs a very steep set of steps, travels across the river and across a low ridge, and back down a moderately steep hill through nice, but nondescript woods to the parking area.
