Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river. 1.5 miles to waterfall, 3 mile round trip. Hike is strenuous and hikers need to be well prepared by carrying extra water and dressing appropriately.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Events and Programs
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.
Date of Event:
Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Think like a scientist in this fun-filled activity where we will look at some of the smaller creatures that inhabit the park. Learn about the scientific method and how you can use it while walking in the woods or even in your everyday life.
Date of Event:
Fri, 08/17/2018 - 1:30pm
Start Location:
Amphitheater
Join us on a guided hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, Rainbow Falls. Learn about the area’s history, its trees and plants, and waterfall safety all while enjoying the Horsepasture River, a nationally designated wild and scenic river. 1.5 miles to waterfall, 3 mile round trip. Hike is strenuous and hikers need to be well prepared by carrying extra water and dressing appropriately.
Date of Event:
Sat, 08/18/2018 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Meet Grayson, the park naturalist, at the Raymond Fisher Campground to learn about staying clean when camping out in the woods. Get answers on all your questions you’ve kept to yourself, like the true purpose of that trowel or why a bandana is tied to someone’s pack. Please note this is not a guided hike down to the Raymond Fisher Campground. If you plan to attend, please prepare for the 1.5 mile round trip hike by carrying extra water and dressing appropriately.
Date of Event:
Sat, 08/18/2018 - 12:00pm
Start Location:
Raymond Fisher Campground
Stop by the kiosk on your way down to Rainbow Falls to learn about some of the different snakes that live in the park, venomous and non-venomous, and how you can avoid a negative encounter with one.
Date of Event:
Sat, 08/18/2018 - 1:30pm
Start Location:
Grassy Ridge Trailhead
Contact:
Gorges State Park
976 Grassy Ridge Road
Sapphire, NC 28774Phone(828) 966-9099
gorges@ncparks.gov, Caution: GPS directions in this area of the state are not reliable.
Latitude: 35.096000
Longitude: -82.951000
General Park Hours
7am to 9pm
Picnic Areas
8am to 8:30pm
Visitor Center
Monday - Thursday
9am to 5pm
Friday - Sunday
9am to 5:30pm