Updated July 2026
High Shoals Falls
An approximately 60-80 foot waterfall on the Jacob Fork River in South Mountains State Park near Morganton, reached via a loop trail with boardwalks and stairs from the Jacob Fork parking area. Note the falls trail has had periodic closures.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check South Mountains State Park for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
High Shoals Falls drops about 60 feet. That makes it the 377th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 48% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The High Shoals Falls Loop Trail reaches it about 2.7 miles (loop) with roughly 554 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Morganton. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with South Mountains State Park for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Catawba Falls · 100 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Crabtree Falls · 70 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
Sources
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