North Carolina State Parks

Gorges

PO Box 100, Sapphire, N.C. 28774-0100 · (828) 966-9099 · E-mail

Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. An elevation that rises 2,000 feet in only four miles, combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year, creates a temperate rain forest and supports a collection of waterfalls.

On April 29, 1999, thanks to a unique partnership of industry, the environmental community and the state of North Carolina, 10,000 acres of the Jocassee Gorges in Transylvania County were placed in public ownership to be preserved for future generations of North Carolinians. The property was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation, and the transaction created a 2,900-acre gameland managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and a 7,100-acre state park — North Carolina's newest state park and our first state park west of Asheville.

Because Gorges State Park is so new, the park is still in its planning and development phase. Currently, park staff are working with local citizens in a planning process that will give everyone the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the park's master plan, a document which determines long-range plans for the park, including facility development and management. Only a few facilities have been constructed while the park's master plan is being completed. Therefore, the park's information, rules and regulations are subject to change.

Camping

Gorges State Park offers primitive camping in vastly different natural environments. At the Grassy Ridge Access area, hikers can backpack into the Ray Fisher Place campground. This hike to the campsites is approximately 2.7 miles from the parking lot, and the trail is blazed with green circles. Six primitive campsites are available. Each contains a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. The campsites also have an accessible pit toilet. Campers must sign in at the registration area located at the Grassy Ridge parking lot trailhead.

Primitive camping is also available near the southern boundary of the park along the Foothills Trail. There are designated backpack sites along the trail within the park boundary. Access to the Foothills Trail is at the Frozen Creek parking lot. Follow the yellow square markers to the trail. For additional information on the Foothills Trail, contact the Foothills Trail Conference.

Fishing and boating access

With an ample supply of rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass, the waters of Gorges State Park beckon fishermen to try their luck. All streams and rivers in the park are designated Wild Trout Waters. Regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission apply. Although the park contains a variety of fish habitats, fishermen should exercise caution and stay away from waterfalls. Due to the rugged nature of the park and swift water currents, no swimming is allowed in rivers and creeks. Lake Jocassee, a deep lake straddling the North and South Carolina border, is a haven for trout and bass fishermen. Boat access is available within Devil's Fork State Park in South Carolina.

Hiking

Offering rugged terrain that will challenge any outdoors enthusiast, visitors who traverse the steep, backwoods trails will be rewarded with views of dazzling waterfalls or perhaps an encounter with one of the numerous rare species of the park. However, some of the more secluded areas of the park are not recommended for casual hiking.

One of the park's most popular pathways is the Foothills Trail. Established by Duke Energy, the trail winds along the southern portion of the state park and wraps around Lake Jocassee, where primitive campsites are available. The trailhead is located at the Frozen Creek Access area in Rosman on Frozen Creek Road. This area provides parking, picnic areas and trailheads.

Mountain biking and horseback riding

Horses and mountain bikes are currently permitted on the Auger Hole Trail from the Frozen Creek Access to Turkey Pen Gap on the western boundary of the park. Hiking is also allowed on the trail. The Frozen Creek Access in Rosman provides a picnic area and trailhead for this multipurpose trail. All visitors with horses must be able to provide proof of a negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test while visiting North Carolina State Parks.

Waterfall overlook

This overlook is accessible from the Grassy Ridge Access. The trail begins near the parking lot and is blazed with blue circles. The trail leads to a small observation platform overlooking a long cascade on Bearwallow Creek.

As the park undergoes evaluation, additional hiking trails may be developed. Existing trails in sensitive habitats may close due to concern for natural resource protection.

To minimize human impact on the park, Gorges does not contain any trash receptacles. Visitors must carry out what they take into the park. Please exercise caution while hiking near waterfalls. Not only are the rocks slick and the risk for injury high; many rare species thrive in the misty atmosphere created by the falls, and human contact can be detrimental to the plants' survival.

Picnicking

Picnic tables make Gorges State Park a pleasant spot for lunch or dinner after an exhilarating hike. In the midst of the forest, picnic tables provide a comfortable setting for a meal or snack. Some of the picnic tables are wheelchair accessible.

For more information visit: North Carolina State Parks - Gorges State Park