Come join Rick Stoner on a winter hike adventure to identify common plant species during the cold winter season. Even in the winter there are many plants with leaves by which we can identify them, but we can also identify trees and plants by bark, winter twigs, and various growth characteristics. On our Winter Walk In The Woods we'll learn to identify a number of trees and plants as well as discuss many interesting facts about them. This will be a 2 mile hike. All participants must be prepared for cold temperatures and a strenuous hike. Bring food and water.
Events and Programs
976 Grassy Ridge Road
Sapphire, NC 28774
828-966-9099
gorges@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.096000, -82.951000
General Park Hours
7am to 9pm
Picnic Areas
8am to 6:30pm
Visitor Center
Monday - Sunday
9am to 5pm
Partial Trail Closure - Auger Hole Trail
A section of the Auger Hole trail is closed to all traffic until further notice due to a massive landslide that has taken out all access not only to the public but to park staff.
The Auger Hole is open from the parking lot at Frozen Creek Entrance to where the Wintergreen trail breaks off Auger Hole Trail to the right. From that point on to Turkeypen Gap, the trail is closed and will remain closed until the trail is fixed.
The trail closure will be lengthy as park staff are evaluating and developing options to resolve the closure. For more information or updates call the park office at (828) 966-9099.
Last updated on: Thursday, May 9, 2019
Scheduled events
Gorges State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Come join Rick Stoner on a winter hike adventure to identify common plant species during the cold winter season. Even in the winter there are many plants with leaves by which we can identify them, but we can also identify trees and plants by bark, winter twigs, and various growth characteristics. On our Winter Walk In The Woods we'll learn to identify a number of trees and plants as well as discuss many interesting facts about them. This will be a 2 mile hike. All participants must be prepared for cold temperatures and a strenuous hike. Bring food and water.
Date of Event:
Sat, 02/22/2020 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Frozen Creek Access
Please join Gorges State Park Ranger, as we go into our Spring season which will bring life back into our plants, wildlife and wildflowers. Please bring water and appropriate hiking shoes. The trail is 0.5 miles in and 0.5 miles back out. Any questions please callour office at 828-966-9099
Date of Event:
Mon, 04/13/2020 - 1:00pm to 1:45pm
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
The Mountains are Calling!! Join us for the Statewide Star Party @ Gorges as we’ll “See the Universe” from the dark skies of Gorges State Park with an elevation of ~3400’ and nestled along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Hosted by the Friends of Gorges State Park, this Statewide Star Party is open to the public with entrance at no cost from 7:00pm to 10:30pm on Friday, April 24th with free parking and a variety of amenities and activities for Stargazers of all ages. In partnership with the NC Division of Parks & Recreation and the Learning Center at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), the Friends of Gorges will provide a variety of telescopes for visitor viewing throughout the evening as well a separate Stargazing area for you amateur astronomers out there to setup your own telescope(s). Aside from feeding your Stargazing appetite, we will also have food trucks and non-alcoholic beverage stations available for sale. This is a Family Friendly event with numerous activities for our Junior Astronomers included at no cost. Gorges State Park boasts a Gold Level LEED Certified visitors center with educational exhibits, an auditorium, classroom, beautiful stone fireplace, and beautiful vistas, which at sunset, are something to see! Registration is required as space is limited. Go to http://friendofgorges.org to find out how to register and get more details about the Friends of Gorges Statewide Star Party @ Gorges!
Date of Event:
Fri, 04/24/2020 - 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Park Maps and Brochures:
