Situated over 7500 acres of lush forest, dramatic rock faces, and the plunging river gorges for which it is named, Gorges State Park feels a bit like the edge of the world. The park climbs from the shores of Lake Jocassee at the South Carolina state line to aerie-like perches high above on the slope of the Blue Ridge escarpment.
The smallest and newest of Transylvania County’s Big Three Forests, Gorges packs a lot of thrills into its comparatively compact size. The drama of the unique landscape provides a truly awesome backdrop for outdoor activity. The rugged landscape offers a wide variety of experiences, ranging from easy loops around the stunning, museum-quality visitor’s center (some of the best views in the park can be seen from its expansive terrace, fyi) to strenuous distance hikes, including the Augur Hole Trail (7.2 miles) and the Foothills Trail (6.7 miles) that climb down (or up) the escarpment. There are also some trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and backcountry camping.
Of Transylvania County’s 250 waterfalls, the 41 within Gorges State Park are some of the most unforgettable. The Rainbow Falls Trail is a fairly strenuous 1.5 mile hike past some of the show-off falls along the Horsepasture River, including Turtleback and the jaw-dropping plunge of the trail’s spectacular namesake.
Gorges State Park offers programming throughout the year, ranging from informative classes to “Art in the Park” to all-day festivals celebrating the seasonal wonders. Weather events can effect trail availability, but you can always check ahead before you visit at
ncparks.gov/gorges-state-park.
Gorges State Park is a lovely twenty mile drive from the center of downtown Brevard, and a just a bit down the road from Lake Toxaway, where intrepid explorers may find
restaurants, shopping and an
historic inn. It’s all part of a glorious day’s journey whether you’re seeking to experience the heart-racing thrills of the landscape or views that are, simply put, gorgeous.
