Trail Run Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

High Shoals Half Marathon

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (3)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Morganton
  5. South Mountains State Park
Plan with onX Backcountry
Previous Next

“The High Shoals Half Marathon is an excellent entry-level mountain race in beautiful South Mountains State Park. ”

Brandon Thrower
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

12.6

Miles

20.3

KM

88%

Runnable

2,604' 794 m

High

1,342' 409 m

Low

2,149' 655 m

Up

2,158' 658 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

The trails utilized by this course are very runnable, but challenging both technically and from an endurance perspective. I consider this an excellent entry-level mountain trail race if you are seeking a little more climbing than you find in the lower Piedmont and the Charlotte area.

Need to Know

A couple creek crossings will get your feet wet.

Description

The High Shoals Half Marathon is an excellent entry-level mountain trail race. There is a good mix of doubletrack and singletrack trails throughout the run and many scenic vistas along the route. The race also passes by the 60 ft High Shoals Falls as well after a leg burning ascent up 600+ stairs.

History & Background

This race helps support the Foothills Conservancy.

Contacts

Land Manager: North Carolina State Park - South Mountains State Park

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#5

in South Mountains State Park

#2905

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in South Mountains State…

#110

in North Carolina

#2,905

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,522 Since Feb 16, 2016
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Looking towards the top of High Shoals Falls
Jul 30, 2018 near Salem, NC
Upper Fall on High Shoals Fallls Trail.
Mar 30, 2016 near Salem, NC
High Shoals Falls
Feb 12, 2016 near Salem, NC
Several small falls along the hike to High Shoals Falls
Oct 12, 2018 near Salem, NC
High Shoals Falls, South Mountain State Park
Oct 12, 2018 near Salem, NC
Jacob's Creek downstream of the falls.
Mar 31, 2016 near Salem, NC

0 Comments

6,000 characters
6,000 characters

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 13, 2019
Mike D
Wet, icey conditions forced race directors to cut off the Waterfall/stairs loop which shortened the race 10.6mi
Dec 29, 2018
Brandon Denny
13.3mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

PrevNext
April 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started