South Mountains
Similar to the Sauratown range further north, the South Mountains are an ancient and eroded mountain range located to the east of the Appalachians near the town of Morganton, NC. Technically found in the Piedmont region of the state, the mountains are essentially an introduction to the higher peaks further west.
South Mountains State Park was established in 1975 and encompasses over 20,000 acres of land. In addition to camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, there are a series of creeks and waterfalls hidden between the peaks.
The park is heavily shaded with many trees and few open views. During each of my visits, I have hiked to Big Bear Falls and High Shoals Falls before venturing up to the Chestnut Knob Overlook.
After arriving at the top during my most recent visit, I sat down for a while and noticed how the clouds and mist that hovered in the air seemed to have both ephemeral and eternal qualities. Hopefully, the photo above captures that same paradoxical experience.
