In South Mountains State Park, High Shoals Falls drops about 110 feet in two tiers where the Jacob Fork tumbles through Burke County, North Carolina. The park lists them among its main attractions, though the trail and viewing platforms have been closed following Hurricane Helene.
The falls
The Jacob Fork pours over a large rock outcrop in two tiered horsetails, with a small upper tier just upstream that could be counted as part of the falls. The World Waterfall Database measured the total at about 110 feet using lidar; older surveys listed 75 feet, while the state park gives 80. From the platform at the base, foreshortening hides a third to half of the falls. Downstream, the river continues through cascades, losing about 300 feet over roughly a quarter mile.
Getting there
Access begins at the park's Jacob Fork area at 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue in Connelly Springs. The High Shoals Falls Loop is a 2.7-mile trail marked with blue circles, rated strenuous, open only to hikers, and not accessible. As of September 2026, North Carolina State Parks keeps the trail and viewing areas closed because of lingering hazards from Hurricane Helene. Debris clearing concluded in spring 2026, and restoration work remains in planning and design with no reopening date announced. General day use in the park is free.
When to go
The falls remain inaccessible until trail repairs finish. During normal operations, park hours run from 7 a.m. to between 7 and 10 p.m. depending on the season, with gates closed on Christmas Day. In February 2023, high water and ice complicated an emergency rescue at the falls.
On site
Swimming is prohibited near the falls. Four people have died at High Shoals Falls since 1993, mostly while swimming at the top. In June 2011 a 17-year-old slipped into the water and went over the falls, and in 2005 a photographer who went beyond a barrier died in a fall. In February 2023 an 18-year-old fell about 60 feet and was badly hurt. Signs and a barrier mark the approach to the top; visitors must stay behind all barriers. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
History and name
North Carolina allocated funds to acquire the land for South Mountains State Park in 1974.
Nearby
Little River Falls is about 1.3 miles away, Pheasant Creek Falls about 2.8 miles, and Black Mountain Falls about 4.1 miles.
Distances are straight-line.