High Shoals Falls

High Shoals Falls is a waterfall in Burke County, North Carolina.

High Shoals Falls
High Shoals Falls, April 2006
LocationSouth Mountains State Park, Burke County, in the South Mountains of North Carolina
Coordinates35.594419°N 81.635552°W / 35.594419; -81.635552
TypePlunge, Cascade
Total height80 ft (24 m)
Number of drops1 with cascades at bottom

Geology

The waterfall is on the Jacob's Fork River, flowing over a large rock outcropping in the South Mountains of North Carolina. The river continues over a series of cascades for approximately 1/4 mile past the falls, where the stream loses approximately 300 ft (100 m) in elevation.

Natural history

The falls are in South Mountains State Park, which is owned and operated by the State of North Carolina. The South Mountains, carved out of the Blue Ridge by erosion, are a broad belt of peaks and knobs rising abruptly from a deep valley. These steep, rugged mountains encompass 100,000 acres (400 km²) in Burke, Cleveland and Rutherford counties. Water winding through the park to the Catawba River cuts deep into the terrain, forming rugged and steep slopes.[1] Funds to purchase the falls and park were appropriated in 1974.

Visiting the falls

The falls is located at South Mountains State Park in North Carolina. There are many trails through the state park, and the most popular is the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the trail. Absolutely no swimming is permitted near the falls, as deaths and injuries have occurred through the years, primarily to people who swim at the top of the falls.

Four people have died at High Shoals Falls since 1993, including a 17-year-old who fell to his death on June 14, 2011.[2]

Nearby falls

Jacob's Fork River has several small cascades both upstream and downstream from High Shoals Falls. Some of these are on State property. Others are on private property.

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References
  1. "South Mountains State Park: History". N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
  2. http://www2.morganton.com/news/2011/jun/14/6/man-dies-after-falling-falls-ar-1121463/
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