Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park

976 Grassy Ridge Road
SapphireNC  28774
(828) 966-9099

Park Hours:
General Park Hours
7:00a to Midnight

Picnic Areas
8:00a to Dusk

Visitor Center
Monday - Friday: 9:00a - 4:00p
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00a - 5:00p

Gorges State Park is a 7,700 acre North Carolina state park in Transylvania County, North Carolina. It is about 42 miles from Hendersonville, NC. Gorges State Park is open for year-round recreation, including, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.  Gorges State Park has rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and quique species in the eastern united states.

There are several waterfalls in the park. You can hike to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls on the Horsepaster River. It is a three-mile round-trip hike to the falls. Hidden Falls and Stairway Falls can also be seen on the river.

There are also several hiking trails in the park. The 1.5-mile round-trip Bearwallow Falls Trail takes you to an overlook with a limited view of the Falls. Follow blue triangle blazes.

The Bearwallow Valley Trail begins at the top of the picnic area by the information sign. This one-mile round-trip trek takes you to one of the highest overlooks at the park. At 3,200 ft. above sea level, you will enjoy views into South Carolina, including Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. Follow red triangle blazes.

Upper Whitewater Falls and Panthertown Valley with Schoolhouse Falls are nearby.