I love hiking and exploring nature! For the past three months, I have tried to get out every week and do something active, and despite the rain, I have been pretty successful in doing so. This past weekend, and actually the weekend before too, my significant other and I decided to explore South Mountains State Park in Burke County, NC. This North Carolina State Park is located only about an hour and twenty minutes outside of Charlotte and features beautiful hiking trails, an 80-foot waterfall, and perfect streams for trout fishing.
Normally, I am a bass fishing type of girl. However, when the COVID-19 restrictions on parks recently were lifted, my significant other introduced me to fly fishing which shortly became my new favorite hobby. At South Mountains State Park, there are many miles of trout fishing which include Jacob’s Fork and Shinny Creek. When we arrived at the park, both times we had to wait for one car in one car out entry. (We got there around 10:30 am both times too) We only waited around 45 minutes but I do recommend try and get there as early as you can.
After we parked in the second by the camping sites, we hiked into the backcountry areas with a backpack full of equipment to catch some fish! I recommend trying out the spots no one is (you get the best fishing there) but watch out for snakes and the giant spiders. We were able to catch a variety of native North Carolina trout during our visits (see images below) and I can tell you some great spots are where NO ONE is. (a fisherman NEVER reveals their locations) BUT, I will say you will have luck catching a trout along the Shinny Creek Loop Trail. Overall, we had a great time exploring another great state park in North Carolina and until our next adventure, stay safe Charlotte! If you want to find your perfect trail in North Carolina you can check out the best trails here.