The Ultimate After-Hike Experience

As one of North Carolina's most rugged and beautiful backcountry destinations, South Mountains State Park offers over 40 miles of pristine trails, the breathtaking 80-foot High Shoals Falls, and unmatched trout fishing along the Jacob Fork River.

But what happens when you pack up your gear, dust off your hiking boots, and head back down the mountain?

The adventure doesn’t stop at the park gates. If you are looking for the absolute best things to do near South Mountains State Park, look no further than South Mountain Distilling Company. Located just minutes down the road in Connelly Springs, we are the premier destination to unwind, experience true Appalachian culture, and sip award-winning craft spirits.

Pair Your Mountain Adventure with Authentic Carolina Spirits

Nestled in the very same foothills you just spent the day exploring, South Mountain Distilling Company brings the historic grit of the Blue Ridge Mountains right to your glass.

Our family’s distilling roots stretch back to the 1828 North Carolina Gold Rush. Today, we use those exact same multi-generational family recipes—paired with the region’s exceptionally pure, mineral-rich Connelly Springs water—to craft the finest legal moonshine, smooth wheated bourbons, aged whiskeys, and traditional fruit brandies in Western NC.

Why South Mountain Distilling Co. is the Perfect Post-Hike Stop

1. Refreshing Craft Tastings & Monthly Community Events

After tackling a strenuous trek up Chestnut Knob or the High Shoals Falls Loop, treat yourself to a guided flight of 5 signature, award-winning spirits in our climate-controlled tasting room. If your hike lands on a Friday, stick around for our vibrant community events featuring local vinyl swaps, board game nights, and refreshing artisan cocktails.

2. The Masterclass Distilling Experience

Want to take your mountain trip to the next level? Go beyond a typical walkthrough with our famous, hands-on Masterclass Distilling Experience. You’ll step behind the copper stills to grind grain, mash, ferment, distill, and bottle your own batch of authentic spirit—complete with your name on the label.

3. Take a Piece of the Foothills Home

Before heading back to Charlotte, Asheville, or Hickory, stop by our distillery gift shop. It’s the perfect spot to grab high-proof jars of authentic shine (like our legendary JB Rader's Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine), custom apparel, or a bottle of our premium bourbon.

Building Your Perfect Day-Trip Itinerary

South Mountain Distilling Co. is strategically located right off I-40 (Exit 113), making it an effortless stop on your drive home from the park.

• Distance from South Mountains State Park Main Gate: Just an easy, scenic ~20-minute drive north.

• Address: 1027 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612

• Tasting Room Hours: * Monday – Thurs: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• •  

    Friday 10 AM - 9 PM

    Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Sundays Closed

Sample South Mountains Day Itinerary:

• 8:30 AM: Arrive at South Mountains State Park; hike to High Shoals Falls while the morning air is crisp.

• 12:30 PM: Enjoy a tailgate picnic at the Jacob Fork picnic area or grab lunch at a local foothills diner.

• 2:00 PM: Head to South Mountain Distilling Company for an immersive, award-winning spirits tasting or a private group event.

Tour Tip: Bringing a large hiking group, a bachelor/bachelorette party, or a corporate retreat? We feature two beautiful private event space rentals that can host up to 49 guests. Be sure to book your tasting or event space online in advance!