Andrews Cove Campground to High Shoal Falls

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Andrews Cove Campground to High Shoal Falls

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Andrews Cove Campground

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Aug 16 2026 8:45 am >> Sun, Aug 16 2026 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Mon, Aug 10 2026 7:05 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Aug 15 2026 7:05 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours 15 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

13.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Kelly

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

This is a new hike for me - thank you to Tim W. for letting me copy it. We will begin at Andrews Cove Campground and climb over Rocky Mountain then continue to High Shoals Falls. The climbing is front loaded on this hike with about 2000 ft elevation gain in the first 3 miles.

Starting at Andrews Cove Campground we'll head northeast to join the Appalachian Trail at Indian Grave Gap. Heading south on the AT we'll climb over Rocky Mountain and down the Rocky Mountain Trail to the forest service road. Then it's a short road walk north to the High Shoals Falls Trail for lunch by the falls. We'll follow roughly the same route on the way back skipping a second climb over Rocky Mountain. Total distance is about 13.5 miles with 3000 ft of climbing.

This hike features two mountain waterfalls, High Shoals and Blue Hole, plus views from atop Rocky Mountain. It also includes about 3.5 miles of walking along a gravel forest service road. Feel free to bring a towel and/or water shoes if you want to take a dip in the falls.

Due to the difficulty of the hike you need prior D5 or strong D4 experience or the equivalent. Average pace will be 2.7 mph. This is a mid-level D5 hike with one extended 2000 ft climb. You should be comfortable on hikes lasting 6 hrs at a quick pace with minimum breaks. If there are no previous D5 hikes in your profile expect an email to assess your compatibility for the hike.

Required Items to Bring:

Water and/or sports drink

Lunch and snacks

Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles

Rain gear

Towel

Water shoes and/or dry clothes for a dip in the falls

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Andrews Cove Campground - We'll be parking across the road from the campground along Rte 75. There's a turnout just south with room for several cars.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ksdFqJB88LBvz2Pj9

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

140Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $56.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 8/10/2026 7:05:00 PM