South Mountains State Park is in Burke County, about 55 miles east of Asheville, at the crossroads of the Appalachians and the Foothills. Elevations reach 3,000 feet. It has an 80-foot waterfall and nearly 50 miles of trails for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The Jacob Fork River has designated trout waters, and a separate Clear Creek access lies to the far west. Camping is available.