South Mountains Geology Hike EarthCache

The Catawba Valley and the gaps across the mountain ranges to the west were once major travel routes. The South Mountains served as a buffer zone between the Cherokee and the Catawba Indians, and the first European settlers in the area farmed the fertile land along the Catawba River.

In 1828, gold was discovered at Brindle Creek. Legend holds that gold flakes and grains were first discovered in the mud used to seal a log cabin. The ensuing gold rush attracted immigrants, mining companies and slave owners. Gold was mined into the early 20th century, but activity in the gold mines eventually declined.

Development of land in what is now South Mountains State Park began in the 1930s when Camp Dryer, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, was established at Enola. Those employed at the camp constructed forest service roads, cleaned stream beds and built a forest observation tower. The Lower and Upper CCC roads are still in use as trails at the park today.

The park was established as a result of recommendations made by a National Park Service study conducted in coordination with the state of North Carolina. Though proposals for the park began in the 1940s, it was not until 1974 that funds were appropriated to purchase the land. The first land acquisition totaled 5,779 acres. Additional land has since been added, bringing the park to its present size of approximately 18,000 acres.

While most of the high points average approximately 2,000 feet in elevation, Buzzard's Roost towers some 3,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Elevations within the park itself range from less than 1,200 feet at points along Jacob's Fork River to 3,000 feet on Buzzard's Roost along the park's western boundary.

Water winding through the park to the Catawba River cuts deep into the terrain, forming rugged and steep slopes. The most spectacular feature in the park is High Shoals Falls on Jacob's Fork River. Here, a torrent of water drops 80 feet over a cliff face of bare rock. In addition, Chestnut Knob offers tranquility and a magnificent view of surrounding peaks and ridges.

After almost a half-mile walk to the listed coordinates you should find yourself at an informational plaque about the South Mountains Geology Hike. There are a total of eight geology displays along the hike but you will only have to visit five of them. The displays highlight the major geologic features along the trail, explain various weathering processes, and identify some of the major rock types found in the area.

Though you will only have about a half-mile walk from here -- and another half-mile back -- you can continue along the High Shoals Falls Loop trail and it is about three miles. The trail is listed as moderately strenuous, but it does become extremely strenuous for a quarter-mile as you climb to the fifth display near High Shoals Falls.

In order to satisfy the requirements for this Earthcache you must answer the following questions in an email to me -- ozguff@gmail.com -- AND load a photo of you and/or your group AND at least one GPSr at the viewing platform located not far from the fifth display.

1. Name the two forms of mica found in nearby creek sands.
2. Quartz and feldspar are mentioned in the display with this wacky and alliterative name.
3. Exfoliation -- along with a little help from Mother Nature -- led to this named rock slide in 1989.
4. Describe the joint planes you see here and supply me with the name of the type of granite commonly found here.
5. Supply me with the name of the geologic feature found about 60 feet before the viewing area for High Shoals Falls.

Though there are three more displays along the trail you do not need to continue on and up the trail unless you so desire. I hope you enjoy your time in South Mountains State Park!

For more information on EarthCaches please click here. Enjoy!

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