Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, […] LOCATION:near Cashiers and Highlands, NC in Gorges State Park, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 780 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). One of the highlights of Gorges State Park is Toxaway Falls, which you will drive over is … Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. Picnic shelters and group campsites that accommodate less than 50 people are open. The information kiosk lists the Rainbow Falls trail as 3 miles. Its combination of height and power are almost unmatched (save for perhaps Linville and Whitewater falls). This includes the roadside overlook. As such, this hike is quite popular, and Turtleback Falls is a popular … Gorges State Park boasts more than 23 miles of trails and most of them feature unparalleled access to water views. Finished the hike, and have a bit of energy (and daylight) left? From the split to the base of Stairway Falls is 0.3 of a … Gorges State Park is just off Highway 281 about 1 mile south of Highway 64 between Lake Toxaway and Sapphire North Carolina. There are multiple waterfalls to see. 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. At this point a spur trail heads left and stars to descend toward the Horsepasture River. Gorges State Park … Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The park’s rushing rivers, mighty waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, and lush, green forest are a beautiful result of the park’s abundant rain. The land, along Jocassee Gorges, was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation in 1999. A short side trail departs on the trail’s left at 1.4 miles, leading to the Hidden Falls waterfall. The 7,500-acre park in Lake Toxaway is known for long-distance trail hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the Horsepasture River. The trail arcs around Turtleback Falls, crossing a small wood bridge and passing a tall rock outcrop and shallow cave. Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. This was helpful because we were wondering about the "Strenuous" designation given to the trail to Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is on the Horsepasture River which is not in the Gorges State Park boundaries - it's in the Pisgah National Forest. The crown jewel of this still-developing park is the Rainbow Falls … When the current is not too strong, this is a popular rock for sliding and swimming. 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. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Trailful Outdoor Co. is a registered trademark of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. Rainbow Falls NC: the hike. Gorges State Park, Cashiers Picture: Rainbow falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,506 candid photos and videos. Keep Reading. History. One of the newest parks in western NC, Gorges was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation in 1999. It's home to rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States. Gorges State Park is the access point to hike to one of our favorite waterfalls, Rainbow Falls, and nearby Turtleback Falls. Some two dozen … #historictoxaway #storiedcommunity #playstaytoxaway 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 Rainbow Falls is situated below Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville. The hike turns around, retracing its steps back to the trailhead. (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 hike is rated strenuous, not due to the length, but due to … A stark image of the trail to Rainbow Falls from Gorges State Park. rated as strenuous. At under four miles, round trip, it’s a view-packed hike that’s filled with photo-worthy waterfalls. This is … Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. The hike curves around upper Turtleback, catching views of the unique waterfall upriver. And check out the full list of our favorite Highlands and Cashiers hiking trails for even more adventures. (Wear your mask!). Times are posted on a sign right after you enter the park or look on the official Gorges State Park web site. There are no equipment rentals and concessions available. Times are posted on a sign right after you enter the park or look on the official Gorges State Park web site. The trailhead to Rainbow falls begins inside Gorges State Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area; about 1.5 miles past the entrance on Grassy Ridge Road. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. And when the sun is angled right, the waterfall creates colorful rainbows below the falls. The hike re-enters Gorges State Park, turning right at 3.6 miles to follow the Grassy Ridge Trail to the trailhead. Top Things to Do in Gorges State Park. We saw some teenagers sliding down one of the smaller waterfalls, … Most trails, restrooms, playgrounds, and several boat ramps are open. 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.. Another of the prime draws for Gorges State park is the Rainbow Falls Trail and Rainbow Falls. ... Park at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park and look for the large signs and trail maps. The trail within the Gorges State Park is better tended than the lengthier section in the Nantahala National Forest. From the Bearwallow Falls Trail, follow the park’s main loop road to the Grassy Ridge trailhead. The route continues upriver to two additional waterfalls on the Horsepasture River, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. 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. 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. Just remember that the park closes and locks it's gates at night. The chapel is … This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. All campsites are open. Other backcountry campsites are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. The transaction created a 2,900-acre gameland managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and a 7,100-acre state park with plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges… Rainbow Falls is without a doubt the biggest draw in Gorges and the waterfall isn’t even in Gorges. 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. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3. West from 101 (Raymond/South Bend): Take Highway 6 out of Raymond, and travel 40 miles. 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 … It’s also home to towering Rainbow Falls… This adventure begins in North Carolina’s Gorges State Park, following a moderate 1.7-mile route through a waterfall-filled valley. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. It is on Pisgah National Forest land just outside Gorges State Park. More waterfall adventures at Gorges State Park. Serious injuries and deaths have occurred along this trail. Appalachian trail isn ’ t climb, stand on, swim near, or some! You have any questions, contact the Park and the small town of Sapphire and horseback along! Can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls the tumbling cascades of Schoolhouse Falls crossing... 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