South Mountain State Park Pack Trip

[nbkky71]

My son was on spring break last week so we went on his first backpack trip with a few friends on the family (aka - just the boys while moms went to the beach).

The boys are accomplished hikers and my son and I had been training with weighted packs for a couple weeks prior. South Mountain has some aggressive trails but we've been up there many times over the years. We ended up doing a 13mi loop up Raven Rock Trail to Fox Trail campsites, returning down the Upper Falls Trail. Only one minor cases of blisters, but a ton of moleskin and duct tape kept one of the boys going.

The fringes of the park are pretty remote and we only saw one other person until we looped back to the waterfall, near the parking lot. I do love the trips where you can be alone and enjoy the quiet.

 

[skiles]

That looks like it was fabulous.

 

[nbkky71]

It was a good time, the boys were wiped out for sure!

After we got home my son flopped down on his bed and immediately crapped out. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the dog needed to be walked! 🐶

 

[Les White]

I thought you meant south mountain in Phoenix and thought you were off your rocker. If the heat didn't get you the gang bangers would.

 

[nbkky71]

I’ve been to South Mtn in Phoenix but it’s been years and years ago. Did a fair amount of bouldering there in my rock climbing days!

 

[chiefjason]

Good stuff. Getting prepped for a trip in May myself.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

I may have watched you guys from the front porch lol



I havent hiked the big loop in quite some time. Nowadays, we mostly just take the steps up to the waterfall, cross over, and come down the hill on the other side. If you're not used to it, that'll make you feel it lol.
I really need to hike it more and get back in shape.

 

[Precision Seeker]

I may have watched you guys from the front porch lol

View attachment 326174

I havent hiked the big loop in quite some time. Nowadays, we mostly just take the steps up to the waterfall, cross over, and come down the hill on the other side. If you're not used to it, that'll make you feel it lol.
I really need to hike it more and get back in shape.

Man, Draco...that is a beautiful view you have there! I spent many summer days up at SMSP when I was a teenager - growing up in your neck of the woods. Haven't been back there in years. I need to plan a day hike next time I'm back that way. Good times, for sure.

 

[Chuckman]

I have heard of it but didn't know where it is, so I looked it up. My sis-in-law and her family are in Hickory; we might have to do that as a side trip.

NC has awesome state parks. My bucket list is to go to all of them.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Man, Draco...that is a beautiful view you have there! I spent many summer days up at SMSP when I was a teenager - growing up in your neck of the woods. Haven't been back there in years. I need to plan a day hike next time I'm back that way. Good times, for sure.

Lets be fair here...its pawpaws property, not mine specifically, although, I will be taking posession of it when God calls him home. I just happened to be there when OP was doing his thing.
Its a messed up family when Im the responsible one that is trusted for upkeep and to make sure theres something for the grandkids lol

 

[Precision Seeker]

Lets be fair here...its pawpaws property, not mine specifically, although, I will be taking posession of it when God calls him home. I just happened to be there when OP was doing his thing.
Its a messed up family when Im the responsible one that is trusted for upkeep and to make sure theres something for the grandkids lol

I am sure you will be a perfect steward for that beautiful view. I hope you don't inherit it for many, many years.
But when you do, what a great way to bask in his memory.

 

[chiefjason]

I have heard of it but didn't know where it is, so I looked it up. My sis-in-law and her family are in Hickory; we might have to do that as a side trip.

NC has awesome state parks. My bucket list is to go to all of them.

Go during the week if possible. Gets pretty crowded on the weekend. There is only one entrance to the main part of the park. The side entrances are tougher to get too. The loop up and over the waterfall is a good hike.

 

[NoBodyImportant]

I bet you can see my old farm from the top. At least I can see south mountain