A day in the South Mountains

We haven't had much of a winter here in the Carolina's and Spring appears to have arrived early.  The 17th of March isn't normally an 80 degree day, but as it was I took the opportunity to do some hiking and exploring in the South Mountains State Park just a few miles down the road from Semper Iuvenis. 

Jacobs Fork River is a stocked mountain trout stream designated as Delayed Harvest fly fishing.  It's where I spend many afternoons fly-fishing when relaxing.  About a mile upstream from where I usually fish is a waterfall called High Shoals Falls.  It's a lazy stroll up a trail followed by some stairs up to a viewing platform.  Very popular in good weather so getting there early is a must to avoid a small crowd on weekends.

Boulders in Jacobs Fork

For that reason I chose to shoot High Shoals first and then stopped to take a few images of the boulders in the Jacobs Fork river.  These really big ones are up near the falls where the gorge is narrowest.  There are rocks all through the stream, but here is where the really big ones are.

High Shoals Falls

Following this I walked back to the parking lot and prepared for the real adventure of the day.  I had heard that there was a series of waterfalls up the Little River trail about two miles.  The views along the trail are wonderful and make this a great hike even if you don't want to take the risks needed to see the falls.

View of the South Mountains from the Little River Trail

The Little River falls aren't advertised by the State Park and after visiting them I now understand why.  You take serious risk scaling down an almost vertical mountain-side trying to get to them and have a long, steep climb back up when you're done.  The second and third set of falls are also not on the State Park property.  I didn't realize that until climbing back up and seeing the boundary marker on a tree.

At approximately 2 miles down the Little River trail there's a wood fence with signs warning you of dangers associated with the steep slopes.  Basically they don't want you wandering around down there but need deny-ability in the event you aren't too bright and decided to do something foolish - like I did. 

Little River Falls - 1st set

As you leave the trail there is a narrow path that leads about 100 yards along the ridge.  To your right you'll hear the waterfalls.  From here I warn you to be careful - exceedingly so.  I suggest you find a safe way down a ways and look back at the falls.  There was so much debris around the bottom of this first set of falls that after getting down to the base I couldn't get a photograph and made my way out and to a vantage point where I could use my lens to get a shot.

Little River Falls - 2nd set

Follow the water down (using the hillside) and you'll come to a second set of falls that flows through a small gorge.  This one is easier to get to.  There is a very deep pool of water at it's base.  This was a really nice little spot.  You are now several hundred feet down the side of the mountain.  Do be careful as there is a cascade of wet slippery rock just over the edge that goes down a couple of hundred feet before going over the third waterfall.  

When attempting to get down to the third set of falls I strongly suggest NOT walking down the rock wall that forms the cascade.  While it looks like an easy way down, one step on the wrong thing and you'll slide all the way down.  This avenue would require a rescue - not good.  Do a little switch-back walking down and enjoy the view.  Your tired by now and shouldn't be in a hurry.

Little River Falls - 3rd set

At the bottom there's a really nice wide waterfall that drops about 15 feet into a pool.  The river then meanders off like any other mountain stream along fairly flat land.  Remember, you are no longer on State Park land.  I never saw any posting or no-trespassing signs so please be respectful.  Leave things the way you found them after taking in the views and getting your photos.  It's a long and difficult climb back to the summit where the trail is. 

My total time for getting down the mountain to see all three of these falls and then getting back up was about 2 hours - so be sure to give yourself plenty of time as once you do get back to the summit you have a 2 mile hike back to the trail head.  You really have to be a Waterfall junkie to want to see these - or a photographer with more desire than brains like me!

In an effort to get a little more exercise, I'm going to try to shoot more Carolina Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes and Dams over the coming months so stay tuned!

Images from this trip are in the South Mountain Gallery.

Images of the Catawba River and it's Dams are in the Catawba River Gallery.

Till next time - Cheers