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South Mountains State Park, Clear Creek Access
4.6 ★★★★★ 150 Google reviews · Running trail in Morganton, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 50 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from South Mountains State Park, Clear Creek Access' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rugged state park featuring a visitor center & campsites, plus hiking, biking & riding trails.
What runners say about South Mountains State Park, Clear Creek Access
“Beautiful falls and lots river access for just quiet time.”
My favorite place to hike. Pack your bag with plenty of water and a snack. There’s many trails in this park. At the trail head, there is a large picnic area and bathrooms. A trail runs beside the water for easy access, some places are ankle deep but gets deeper. Heavy trafficked , packed on the weekend.
Always a wonderful time. They've added a new trail in the past few months. My dogs and I love this hike.
Very refreshing place to visit. Not too crowded. Several trails that are well marked; some sections are fairly strenuous while others are very easy. Staff are friendly and helpful. Interesting markers and displays. Great place for a few hours or days.
One of my favorite parks. Beautiful falls and lots river access for just quiet time. The only thing to beware of is if you have health issues be advised the top end of the trail to the falls is quite a exerting walk and the trail above requires climbing some pretty steep stairs.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful falls and lots river access for just quiet time.”
“Several trails that are well marked; some sections are fairly strenuous while others are very easy.”
Plan your run at South Mountains State Park, Clear Creek Access
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance50 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitencparks.gov
- Phone+1 828-433-4772
Running trails near Morganton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
