Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park's most dramatic features range from the magnificent to the sublime.

Torrents of water drop from High Shoals Falls, while 2,894-foot Benn Knob - the highest elevation in the park - offers tranquility and splendid views of peaks and ridges.

More than 40 miles of marked hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, wind through the park, whose rugged and steep slopes have been carved by the Catawba River.

South Mountains State Park also has 29 miles of bridle trails and a strenuous 18-mile loop trail for mountain biking.

More than 14 miles of streams challenge fly fishermen in search of trout.

Growing along the stream banks are a variety of wildflowers, such as Jack-in-the-pulpit, lady's slipper and foam flowers. Mountain laurel and rhododendron can also be found in the mountain forest.

Acadian flycatchers, black-throated green warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, indigo buntings and rufous-sided towhees are among the 60 species of birds making their homes here in spring and summer.

Hikers who tread quietly may view a white-tailed deer or a raccoon or opossum foraging in one of the streams.

Eleven primitive campsites are available at the campground. An equestrian pack-in camping area is located off Headquarters Trail, about five miles from the horse-trailer parking area. Backpack camping is permitted in four areas of the park.