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South Mountains State Park
High Shoals Falls      Chestnut Knob Trail
A South Mountains view as seen from Chestnut Knob
Photo taken January 23, 2001

South Mountains State Park is a good winter hiking area.  While the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge to the west might be snow covered.  The S. Mountains are usually a bit milder.  The highest elevation in the Park is Benn Knob at 2,894'.  Chestnut Knob is 2,291;, so in Summer being next to the Piedmont it could get a bit too warm here.  However, walking the Gorge to High Shoals Falls would probably be cooler.

South Mountains has plenty of trails for the hiker!  Also, there are a number of 'Pack in' campsites.  So Back country hikes are possible.  There is a fee for camping in the Park and Park Gates are locked at night.  Check with the Ranger Station when you arrive.  The Park is quite remote.   I was there on a Tuesday and pretty much had the trails to myself.  Only saw 5 other people and all of those were at or near the Parking area!  I can imagine it can get crowded on weekends and holidays with locals.  Especially these two trails I hiked.

High Shoals Falls      Chestnut Knob Trail

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