And check out the full list of our favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails for even more adventures. The trail arcs around Turtleback Falls, crossing a small wood bridge and passing a tall rock outcrop and shallow cave. weekdays only, 121 W. Jones St. Turtleback Falls is reached via the Rainbow falls trail that begins inside Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area; about 1.5 miles past the entrance on Grassy Ridge Road. Rainbow Falls is on the Horsepasture River which is not in the Gorges State Park boundaries - it's in the Pisgah National Forest. Moisture is squeezed out of the atmosphere during a southerly flow, resulting in average rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year. (Though the trail passes near the waterfall’s crest, it’s extremely important not to approach the top of the falls or leave the main trail. The parking area is part of the Gorges State Park and is clearly designated. Just next to Gorges State Park in the Pisgah National Forest, is the impressive 150ft tall Rainbow Falls of North Carolina. The picnic shelters are not currently available for reservations. The route continues upriver to two additional waterfalls on the Horsepasture River, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls. Gorges State Park is the access point to hike to one of our favorite waterfalls, Rainbow Falls, and nearby Turtleback Falls. This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. While Rainbow Falls is in the Pisgah National Forest, the only legal access to Rainbow Falls or Turtleback Falls is by way of the Rainbow Falls Trail in Gorges State Park. Times are posted on a sign right after you enter the park or look on the official Gorges State Park web site. Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous 150 ft. tall waterfall. Rainbow Falls is without a doubt the biggest draw in Gorges and the waterfall isn’t even in Gorges. Walk-up camping are available only at certain loops at Jordan Lake and Kerr Lake and at backcountry campsites with self-registration boxes at trailheads. The crown jewel of this still-developing park is the Rainbow Falls … We'd love to know! Named for the rainbow that sometimes appears from the abundant mist, this beauty is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state and is easily reached via a 1.5 mile hike though a beautiful North Carolina Forest that starts in Gorges State Park … The sound of the rushing Horsepasture River grows louder as the hike veers westbound, approaching the river at 1 mile. The information kiosk lists the Rainbow Falls trail as 3 miles. All campsites are open. The trail within the Gorges State Park … This state park might as well be called "Gorgeous" State Park due to its unique collection of waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock cliffs and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique plant and animal species to be found in the eastern United States. One of the highlights of Gorges State Park is Toxaway Falls, which you will drive over is … View the contact sheet for the email address and phone number of each park », (General information – please do not call this number for camping or park-specific questions), Office Hours Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. His mission? Please check the park pages for more information about camping procedures. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. The hike trails the river’s banks, following the river upstream as it tumbles over a rocky bed. Gorges State Park is one of North Carolina's newest state parks, and the property was recently purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation. Gorges State Park is one of the newest in North Carolina’s state park system, and with an annual rainfall of over 80 inches, the park classifies as a temperate rain forest. Rainbow Falls Trail located in Gorges State Park, NC is a rally nice deep woods hike, that begins in Gorges State Park and ends in Pisgah National Forest at either Rainbow Falls or Turtleback Falls.. Be aware that waterfalls can be extremely dangerous. Rainbow Falls is a beauty. It’s also home to towering Rainbow Falls… It’s also home to towering Rainbow Falls, which showcases a 125-foot waterfall which gently mists visitors from the observation deck. West from 101 (Raymond/South Bend): Take Highway 6 out of Raymond, and travel 40 miles. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC, favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails. Slippery rocks and fast-moving water can be extremely dangerous! Rim trails overlook the gorge. Have sunlight and energy left to spare? At mile 13, watch for the signs for the park, and turn right onto the May Bridge; turn left onto Leudinghaus Road. Moisture is squeezed out of the atmosphere during a southerly flow, resulting in average rainfall … The marked trail ends at Rainbow Falls, however hikers can continue … Gorges State Park, Cashiers Picture: Rainbow falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,506 candid photos and videos. While the trailhead is in Gorges about a mile from the visitor center, the waterfalls are in Pisgah Forest. Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park. While these two vistas certainly are beautiful to look at, they tend to get crowded due to their … This state park might as well be called "Gorgeous" State Park due to its unique collection of waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock cliffs and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique plant and animal species to be found in the eastern United States. Her description was accurate. The trail leaves the visitor center headed upstream. This is now the only legal access for Rainbow Falls and … Indoor facilities are currently not available for reservation. Gorges State Park is a popular place for chasing waterfalls. Schoolhouse Falls. Gorges State Park is just off Highway 281 about 1 mile south of Highway 64 between Lake Toxaway and Sapphire North Carolina. Finished the hike, and have a bit of energy (and daylight) left? Cascading down from a near-vertical cliff, Rainbow Falls looks like it was created expressly for photographers. Gorges State Park … Turtleback Falls is reached via the Rainbow falls trail that begins inside Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area; about 1.5 miles past the entrance on Grassy Ridge Road. Several more smaller falls and some more scenery are located above Rainbow Falls, in case you're up for a longer hike of 4 miles round-trip. Rainbow Falls Trail. For specific details about each park, please visit the park website page. On sunny days, […] Hiking The hike starts at the overcrowded Rainbow Falls trailhead in Gorges State Park and follows the same route as Rainbow Falls for 1.1 miles. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just around the bend from the 150-foot Rainbow Falls is another must-see: Sidepocket Falls. The hike curves around upper Turtleback, catching views of the unique waterfall upriver. We're in our late 60s. Gorges State Park -- Rainbow Falls Trail (2-26-15) My time working for Gorges State Park in Western North Carolina offered me many unique opportunities to see parts of the park in ways the average visitor doesn't always get to. At under four miles, round trip, it’s a view-packed hike that’s filled with photo-worthy waterfalls. Park winter schedule Directions Rainbow Falls State Park is located on Highway 6. The hike reaches a trail junction at .3 mile, turning right to follow the Rainbow Falls Trail westbound. The trail within the Gorges State Park is better tended than the lengthier section in the Nantahala National Forest. Rainbow Falls is situated below Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville. The hike departs from the Grassy Ridge trailhead in Gorges State Park, near Cashiers, NC (view maps and driving directions). ... Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park and look for the large signs and trail maps. It is on Pisgah National Forest land just outside Gorges State Park. Hike to Rainbow Falls and explore the surrounding area - Turtleback Falls, a 20 ft drop over a curved rock, is just .3 miles upriver along the trail. Rainbow Falls is on the Horsepasture River which is not in the Gorges State Park boundaries - it's in the Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall spills over a nearly 150-foot cliff, easily viewable from the top of the grassy, wildflower-cover slope in a broad clearing on the trail. The hike turns around, retracing its steps back to the trailhead. Water levels can rise unexpectedly and even the best swimmers may be swept downstream by strong currents. As such, this hike is quite popular, and Turtleback Falls is a popular … To get here from … 35.088550, -82.952050     //     N35 05.313 W82 57.123. The hike re-enters Gorges State Park, turning right at 3.6 miles to follow the Grassy Ridge Trail to the trailhead. Panthertown Valley. It’s no wonder that this is one of Western North Carolina’s most popular waterfall hikes. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Two days of snow had dumped over a foot of the white stuff on the park… Gorges State Park -- Rainbow Falls Trail (6-2-12) Gorges State Park is North Carolina's westernmost State Park and home to some of the most rugged and variable scenery in the state. From here, the hike makes an optional .3 mile trek to Drift Falls, the fourth waterfall in this short stretch of the river. The hike continues the ascent, climbing wood stairs as it arcs around a bend. #historictoxaway #storiedcommunity #playstaytoxaway Due to construction from the developed campground project, the one-way section of the park road is temporarily closed. We saw some teenagers sliding down one of the smaller waterfalls, … Some two dozen waterfalls cascade through its deep, rocky gorges and access to much of the park is difficult at best. The old trail to Rainbow Falls was … 1615 Mail Service Center One of the newest parks in western NC, Gorges was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation in 1999. Rainbow Falls Trail is a moderate 3 or 4 mile out & back hike located in Gorges State Park in Western North Carolina. The park is located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, an area where elevations rise 2,000 feet in only four miles. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. May 29, 2019 - Explore David Freeze's board "gorges state park near asheville" on Pinterest. The Horsepasture River pours over a wide, angular outcrop into a pool that’s bordered by nearly vertical rock and framed in blooming rhododendron. Gorges State Park is a 7,709-acre (31.20 km 2) North Carolina state park in Transylvania County, North Carolina in the United States and along with other conservation lands is part of a 100,000+ acre … History. Gorges State Park is location on NC281 South, less than a mile from the intersection with US64 in Lake Toxaway. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the visitor center. Hike to the tumbling cascades of Schoolhouse Falls, framed by lush thickets of rhododendron in the ultra-scenic Panthertown Valley. Gorges State Park is set in the midst of plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and a high concentration of rare species, and exploration of this unique environment often begins at the expansive visitor center with its museum-quality … Rainbow Falls NC: the hike. (Wear your mask!). The hike starts at the overcrowded Rainbow Falls trailhead in Gorges State Park and follows the same route as Rainbow Falls for 1.1 miles. The chapel is … The park is open year round for camping and day use. Visitor's Center and Trail to Rainbow Falls The Visitor's Center is closed because of the Covid-19 virus, but trail maps are available at the door and the restrooms are open. It encompasses over 7,700 acres, and is known for its steep topography. Taking Children. This is … There are signs to indicate when you are entering and leaving State Park property. The best feature of Rainbow Falls is the ability for visitors to experience the falls from the front, bottom, side and top! Check out more of our favorite. Gorges State Park is located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the mountains end and the Piedmont begins. Gorges State Park is one of the newest in North Carolina’s state park system, and with an annual rainfall of over 80 inches, the park classifies as a temperate rain forest. COVID-19 information for parks under Modified Stay at Home Order, Maintain a social distance of 6 feet, regardless of the behavior of others, Bring a mask or face covering; they are required to be worn inside buildings and when social distancing cannot be implemented, Share the trail — warn other trail users of your presence, step to the side or wait at the end of a bridge, Do not enter restrooms until others have cleared out and please be patient when staff is cleaning them, Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after your visit, Do not share equipment like phones or cameras with other visitors, If the park seems crowded when you arrive, come back another time, Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms. This one is known for its rainbows, which can be seen in the ample mist they produce. Larger outdoor facilities with a maximum capacity of more than 50 people are also not available for reservation. The trail continues its descent, arcing northbound through a creek valley filled with rhododendron and fern. Please always practice good trail etiquette. This is not a good hike for children who cannot be supervised at all times. The information kiosk lists the Rainbow Falls … If you have any questions, contact the park office at (828) 966-9099. And, as always, please pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace: let’s preserve the trail’s gorgeous beauty for future adventures. Hike to the towering 150-foot Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls through a wildflower-filled forest in North Carolina’s Gorges State Park. Gorges State Park is North Carolina's newest and westernmost state park, located in the area where Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina meet. The hike is a 3 mile round trip and rated as strenuous. This is now the only legal access for Rainbow Falls and the other falls on the Horsepasture River. There are supposedly side trails that will take you from the falls to the top of the mountain and into the camp. The park is located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, an area where elevations rise 2,000 feet in only four miles. Thank you for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow visitors and our staff safe as we open facilities at our parks. Rainbow Falls is one of the biggest and most scenic falls in the region. Serious injuries and deaths have occurred along this trail. Some two dozen … Rainbow Falls is located in the Gorges State Park, about 55 miles from Asheville near Lake Toxaway and the small town of Sapphire. Rainbow Falls and nearby Turtleback Falls are featured on this hike, which is probably the best dayhike at Gorges State Park. Lots of ups and downs and lots of stairs. Such was the case on this day. The trail levels to reach Turtleback Falls at 1.65 miles, where the Horsepasture River cascades 25 feet over a large, curved rock outcrop into a pool below. So perfect is the backdrop that shutterbugs would be hard-pressed to take a bad picture. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. Her description was accurate. From the split to the base of Stairway Falls is 0.3 of a … Keep Reading. Raleigh, NC 27699-1615. The rocks around the falls are slippery and dangerous. Rainbow Falls is the most powerful of the two waterfalls, plunging 150 feet. This adventure begins in North Carolina’s Gorges State Park, following a moderate 1.7-mile route through a waterfall-filled valley. East from I-5: Take exit 77 and travel west for 16 miles. And when the sun is angled right, the waterfall creates colorful rainbows below the falls. Camping reservations must be done online. After a drop of nearly 150 feet, the waterfall crashes loudly, exploding into enormous clouds of mist. 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