Asheville Blue Ridge Runner: "Search for the Carolina Mountain Goat" at South Mountain State Park

We had a chance to explore South Mountains State Park near Connelly-Springs, NC. We ran a trail race put together by www.goruntrails.com. This event was the first of a five race winter series called "Search for the Carolina Mountain Goat". This very challenging, double track, "17k" course (actual distance was slightly over 20k) runs deep into the forest with demanding elevation gains and downhills. The race was capped at 75 runners and 52 completed the course. Ya gotta be in good shape for this one!

The South Mountains are steep, rugged mountains carved out of the Blue Ridge by erosion are a broad belt of peaks and knobs rising abruptly from a deep valley. The South Mountains served as a buffer zone between the Cherokee and Catawba Indians, and the first European settlers in the area farmed the fertile land along the Catawba River. South Mountains State Park includes elevations up to 3000 feet, a water fall dropping 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails.

The full circle race course started in the parking area of the Little River trail head and ran counter clockwise, onto Upper CCC Trail, left onto Horse Ridge Trail, turning onto Upper Falls Trail, and finally a fast downhill left onto HQ Trail which takes you back to the parking area and the finish line. Two aid stations were provided; however, the runners were advised to carry a water bottle and whatever nutrition they might need. The event was well organized and the course was clearly marked. The awards took place immediately after the last finisher crossed the line and plenty of treats and after-race goodies were available to the competitors. Congratulations to Mike and the goruntrails group for a well executed event.

For more info/map about South Mountain State Park, check out www.ncparks.gov If you decide to run or hike this loop, bring your own water and any food you may need. The only water available is located at the restrooms near the parking lot.

After the race, we hiked 1 mile from the parking area to High Shoals Falls (Type of falls: plunge, cascade. Total height of the fall is 80 ft). The waterfall is on the Jacob's Fork River, flowing over a large rock out cropping. The river continues over a series of cascades for approximately 1/4 mile past the falls where the stream loses approximately 300 ft in elevation. What a great time we had! Beautiful sights every where we looked. Definitely worth the trip and sharing with you. Hope you enjoy the pictures!