Please note: We visited this waterfall at the end of August. South Mountain State Park is currently closed to assess damage from Hurricane Helene. Details below were current as of August 2024.
I have to say that South Mountain’s waterfalls are some of the most unusual and stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen.
While not as impressive as High Shoals Falls, South Mountains State Park’s main attraction, Big Bear Falls is still quite impressive in its own right with a shorter and easier trail. Big Bear Trail is one of the park’s newest trails.
We arrived later in the day, and the park wasn’t too busy. The trail is super easy to find. Upon reaching the entrance to South Mountains State Park, drive to the very end of the road and park in the Jacob Fork parking lot. The hike begins at the Jacob Fork parking area with a picnic area and restrooms. The trail is very well maintained.
We entered the trail on the right side of the parking lot after picking up a trail map located inside a box at the beginning of the trailhead before you reach the kiosk. We followed the wide trail past picnic tables and restrooms. They were some of the cleanest I’ve come across at a state park.
The trail continues past several small, but really pretty cascades that run alongside the trail. Just under a half mile in, you will come to a sign where the trail splits into two trails. Each trail leads to a different waterfall. If you go straight/left and cross the bridge over the creek, you’ll reach High Shoals Falls.
To reach Big Bear Falls, go toward the right on to Big Bear Trail. It is 0.2 miles from this point to Big Bear Falls. The trail is blazed with orange rectangles and is clearly marked.
You’ll follow alongside the creek with several cascades. The trail steadily climbs toward Big Bear Falls. As you near the waterfall, the trail descends toward the creek and the base of Big Bear Falls.
While the trail is very well maintained and free of loose rocks, roots, etc. it still has some elevation change, including the use of natural steps. This was easy for us to traverse, but some might find it a little challenging. We have listed it as an easy because of the condition of the trail, but know your limits as it’s between an easy and a moderate if you are not used to hiking.
Big Bear Falls runs through the cracks in several rock slabs with boulders off to the right side of the waterfall. The waterfall has several drops with a large slab in the middle and then continues to flow down into the creek.
Upon reaching the waterfall, I continued straight ahead and ended up on the large slab in the middle of the waterfall. The slab is a little slippery, so watch your step. Looking to the left side of the slab I could see the water running alongside the slab. Realizing I was in the middle of the waterfall I made my way around the large boulder to the base of the waterfall.
Once you have enjoyed Big Bear Falls, you return the way you came. From there you can either turn right and cross the bridge to head to High Shoals Falls or turn left to return to the parking lot.
South Mountains State Park has numerous trails for both walking, horseback riding and biking. Camping is also available.
Dogs are permitted in the park, however they must be on an attended leash, no longer than 6 feet, at all times. Pet owners who do not have their pets on a leash will receive a fine. The park has more rules for pets here.
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