COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Monday, October 5, 2020 - 2:12pm |
Camping
Trails and restrooms are open. The picnic shelters are open and available for reservations; please observe the maximum outdoor gathering limit of 50 people.
The visitor center is open, but the exhibit area, classroom, and auditorium remain closed. A properly worn mask or face covering, covering both the nose and the mouth, is required to enter the visitor center.
All campsites are open. Raymond Fisher campsites can be reserved online or campers can bring exact change ($15 per night per site) and register in-person at the trailhead. Other backcountry campsites are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. Generally, state parks are following the phased reopening statewide. As of October 3, we are following modified Phase 3.
Last updated on: Monday, October 5, 2020Due to increased visitation, several parks are reaching parking space capacity and are having to close temporarily on weekends to incoming traffic. Gorges State Park is seeing high visitation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the park filling up by noon until around 3 p.m. Please visit the park during the week when possible; plan to arrive early morning or late afternoon on weekends; and/or have a backup plan in case the park is full when you arrive.
Last updated on: Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Contact the park
828-966-9099
gorges@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Visitor center
976 Grassy Ridge Road
Sapphire, NC 28774
GPS: 35.0960, -82.9510
Frozen Creek access
Frozen Creek Road
Brevard, NC 28712
GPS: 35.1086, -82.8837
Hours
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- 7:00am to 9:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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- 8:00am to 6:30pm
- Closed Christmas Day
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- Open daily:
9:00am to 5:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
Camping
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMENITIES:
Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.
Backpack camping
Gorges State Park offers primitive backcountry camping in a spectacular natural environment. A favorite park for backpackers who are looking to get away from the beaten trail, campers will find solitude after the strenuous hike.
Primitive camping is available from the Frozen Creek Access Area and the Grassy Ridge Access Area. There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of Gorges State Park. These sites are free of charge and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. They are not reservable. Access to the Foothills Trail at Gorges State Park is at the Frozen Creek parking lot. Follow the square yellow markers on the Cane Brake Trail.
Primitive camping can also be found at Raymond Fisher Campground. There are eight designated sites with fire rings, picnic tables and lantern hooks. A pit privy is also available. Access to the Raymond Fisher Camp Area is at the Grassy Ridge parking lot. Follow the blue circle markers on the Raymond Fisher Trail for 1.5 miles. While camping, visitors can enjoy the scenery and peaceful nature of the small Ray Fisher pond located within the camping area. These sites are available only by reservation (with a fee).
NOTE – Gate access for campers:
Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gates after the closing time. All visitors who are not spending the night need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Check with the park office during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number.
Park Maps and Brochures:
