South Mountains State Park

Trout Streams. Hemlocks. Rhododendrons. Waterfalls. Hiking, Mountain Bike, and Bridle Trails. Scenery. South Mountains State Park.

Numerous streams and creeks branch throughout this isolated mountain range located south of Morganton, NC near Hickory, cooling the air and creating cascades along boulder-strewn waterways.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can enjoy sections of more than forty miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous (rentals not available). We began our journey on the .3 mile Hemlock Nature Trail, and strolled along the shady path past leafy thickets of budding rhododendrons, and tender Eastern Hemlocks.

At the end of the trail, we found the park's most popular hike--the 2.7 mile High Shoals Falls Trail. Along this loop are signs discussing the parks unique geological features, including the exfoliation process that resulted in a rock slide during Hurricane Hugo.

Note, the slabs now cover the trail, so wear appropriate shoes and be prepared to walk over a few rocks.

The trail soon crossed over the Jacob Branch. We stopped on the narrow wooden bridge to enjoy the cascades gushing over even more boulders.

The trail takes visitors to an observation platform overlooking an 80-foot waterfall roaring over a cliff formed by erosion.

We continued on, up a hundred or so steps built along the vertical rock. The climb was tiring for both children and adults, and we chatted with other hikers at rest points along the way.

Behind this group of fellow hikers (and exceedingly good sports) the sharp rise in elevation is visible.

But the view at the upper observation platform is worth the effort. In addition to another cascade, we found more rhodos, a scenic bridge, and "potholes" carved into the rock by water.

Along with hiking, biking, and horseback riding, picnicking and camping are also popular activities at the park. Twenty backpack campgrounds, eleven primitive family campgrounds, and an equestrian campground is available within the parks boundaries. Check the park's website for information on reservation and fees.

Note: the parking lot fills quickly, so it's best to arrive early.

For more information on South Mountains State Park, go to www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo/main.php

Fort Fisher Part III: Historic Site

Upon arriving in Fort Fisher, we stopped at the Historic Site to check out the Visitors Center located just off Hwy 421. A difficult decision since the Atlantic Ocean, a wide walkway that ran parallell to it, and an abundance of sunshine were visible to our left through a stand of trees.

With a promise of returning soon, we went inside.

Fans of history, in particular, NC History or of the War Between the States ('tweren't nothing civil about that sad event) will enjoy the Fort Fisher Historic Site. Behind the Visitors Center are three mounds—the remains of the old fort that once protected ships spiriting supplies to Wilmington's port. From the NC Historic Sites website:

Until the last few months of the Civil War, Ft. Fisher kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. When Ft. Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy.

www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm

Inside the Visitors Center are numerous displays, photos, and even a fiber-optic battle map recreating the heroic efforts to (from the Confederate standpoint) keep the supply line open so they could end the d*#n war, or (from the Union perspective) take the fort, cut off supplies, and end the d#*n war.

The war ended four months later.

You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy the Historic Site. A short trail circles the mounds, with an oak forest on the north side, and marshlands on the south. Warning, I forgot to reset the exposure compensation on my camera, so the colors are a bit odd:

At the end of the trail, we spotted another memorial, and the Atlantic Ocean, across the street:

After a quick visit to the bookstore inside the Visitors Center, we crossed the two-lane street and soaked in the view:

A satisfying start to our day. But we longed to get closer to the water, so we headed down the road to the Fort Fisher Recreational Area. However, we plan on returning to this spot soon. An elderly North Carolina native with ninety-one years behind her expressed her desire to see the ocean one more time. With convenient parking and a level path—not to mention a terrific view—this seemed the perfect spot to take her. We look forward to sharing this moment with her in the immediate future.

For more information on all attractions at Fort Fisher, go to www.pleasureislandnc.org/fortfisher.asp

Now That Was Fun

We're back after making a short stop at the very impressive South Mountain State Park. I have much to share, but here's a little preview of what's to come:

I can't wait to go back.

On the Road--Still

I haven't forgotten about the final Fort Fisher post or this blog. For the past week, I've been stuck in a hotel that had little to no Internet service. Beyond frustrating.

But we're almost home, so I'll have the Fort Fisher Historical Area post up soon. In addition to the history, there's a nice little trail down there, and when coupled with a trip to the Recreation Area and the NC Aquarium, it rounds out the day quite nicely.

Until then, the plan is to make a stop at South Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Originally, I had my eye on Chimney Rock—the view of Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure is fabulous—but I couldn't verify all trails had been cleared from recent winter storms. Next time.

Have a great weekend at whatever Carolina destination you choose to go. And if you're not sure where that might be, check out the labels to the right (below), or search for a state park:

North Carolina: http://www.ncparks.gov/
South Carolina: http://southcarolinaparks.com/

Fort Fisher Part II: NC Aquarium

A trip to the North Carolina Aquariums has been on our "To Do" list since we moved to the coastal plains. I put it off solely because I prefer to be outdoors. But we couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit during our Fort Fisher outing.

Featuring aquatic life along the Cape Fear River Basin, the aquarium at Fort Fisher has two levels of displays, including a large ocean tank that extends from the first floor to the second. Here we saw a shark and sting rays swimming around with a variety of other marine life, and a dozen or so children watching with wide-eyed wonder. After checking out all the displays and wishing we could go snorkeling, we stopped by the gift shop before taking a stroll around a scenic courtyard. Several patrons there expressed surprise at the size of the establishment, but a visit coupled with trips to the Recreation and Historic areas definitely rounded out our day.

The entry fee at the time of this writing is $8.00 per adult, but we purchased the family membership for $50.00. This not only gives us free admission to the aquarium at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores (along with hiking trails there!) and Roanoke Island, but also to the North Carolina Zoo, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, Western NC Nature Center, Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC, the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC, and zoos and aquariums across the nation (see Membership Page for specifics).

And I like the idea of popping into one of those attractions whenever we're in town.

For more information on North Carolina Aquariums, go to https://www.ncaquariums.com/

Fort Fisher Part I: State Recreation Area

Thanks to the recommendation of, and outstanding photos taken by fellow CarolinasAdventures member, Skip, (click here to view gallery) we recently traveled to Fort Fisher on aptly named Pleasure Island, located just south of Wilmington, North Carolina. Wedged between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Fisher offers plenty of beach, but we quickly learned there's more to see on this sliver of land, and we're already making plans to return.

We made three stops during this visit, including one to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. We pulled into the paved parking lot, and stopped at the Visitors Center to look around. According to NC State Park's website, the rec area has over six miles of beach, which I later learned extends south along a bay called The Basin, clearly seen on Google Maps or Google Earth at 33.952189,-77.941132.

View Larger Map

You'll notice a line on the western edge along the Cape Fear seems to enclose The Basin (which includes Zeke's Island and an island called No Name.) From the NC Park's website, I learned this is a long, manmade jetty called "The Rocks", which was built in the late 1800's. To read about its original purpose and history, go to www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fofi/history.php

Skip mentioned exploring The Basin by kayak. Until we do, we'll have to take the Fort Fisher-Southport ferry to get a closer look at The Basin.

But that's a future visit. On this day, anxious to get out after long months of cold weather, we crossed the boardwalk and strolled down to the beach. While far too chilly to stick our toes in the sand, we did enjoy the sun, the waves, and watching plenty of the rec area's native inhabitants enjoying the beach life:

That alone is worth a return visit. But fortunately, both the Fort Fisher Historical Area and the NC Aquarium Fort Fisher are a short distance from the beach. More on that in upcoming posts.

For more information on Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, go to www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fofi/main.php