Hiking South Mountains State Park

Sage Canine Advice, by Sage Riverdog – July 15, 2012
My owner, Edna Chirico, grew up in Salem, Oregon.  She talks about a favorite park there with over 60 waterfalls, called Silver Creek State Park. 


The closest thing she can find near Charlotte is South Mountains State Park.  My sister Pepper and I had the opportunity last Saturday to do some exploring – 10 miles of exploring.

South Mountains Park is about a 1 ½ hour drive northwest of Charlotte – out Highway 27 (here's a map).  It is just south of Morganton and has some places over 3,000 feet high. We stopped at the Ranger Station and got hiking recommendations and a trail map. You can also can download the trail map.  


Pepper and I were excited from the time we got out of the car.  There was a wonderful stream – we began our trek with a quick dip.

Our first 4-mile loop hike was to see the 60-foot waterfall. How awesome, but the loop involved a hole bunch of steep wood steps, a couple of which I had to be given a gently push to get up.

From there we continued to climb to the top of the waterfall and then hiked a shaded trail through rich stands of hardwoods.  


After lunch and a short rest in Shiney Creek, we took a second loop up Chestnut Ridge to Chestnut Knob Overlook. This one was also pretty steep, reaching an altitude of over 2,200 feet. 

We were pretty tied when we got back to the car, slept all the way home and most of the next day.  I hope we go back soon.


About Sage – Sage is an 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who lives with River District Executive Director Edna Chirico and Edna’s husband, John Huber. Sage earned a Canine Good Citizen award, which allows her to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Sage loves to run, fetch, swim, ride in boats, travel in the car and play with just about anyone, especially children.