Gorges State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

The Foothills Trail within the park boundary is open. Please refer to the Foothills Trail Conservancy for closures on the portions of the trail outside the park.

Bike & Bridle Trails

Open

Hours

Contact

Events

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Gorges State Park

Located in Transylvania County near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, Gorges State Park sports plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices. Backcountry-style recreation is a hallmark of the park, from backpacking to horseback riding. This park located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment spans over 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest and hosts extraordinary biodiversity. The park features 26 waterfalls, the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee, and a portion of the 70-mile Foothills Trail.

Camping

  • Camper cabins
  • Tent sites (including backpacking)
  • Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups)
  • Showers
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (56 miles)
  • Biking (17 miles)
  • Horseback riding (12 miles)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Auditorium and classroom
  • Picnic shelters
  • Visitor center and exhibits

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Address

976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC 28774

GPS: 35.0960, -82.9510

Current Weather

28774 Sapphire, NC

Address

Frozen Creek Road, Brevard, NC 28712

GPS: 35.1086, -82.8837

Current Weather

28712 Brevard, NC

Park Maps

Caution in Waterfall Areas

Please follow safety rules and encourage others to do the same when you are near waterfall areas.

Fees

There are no fees required to access Gorges State Park for day use. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Second Sidebar

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

The park is open during all other holidays.

Month

Hours
January 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 

Second Sidebar

The park is closed on Christmas Day.

The park is open during all other holidays.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Gorges State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderfully. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Gorges State Park

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Friends of Gorges State Park promotes, supports, and advocates for Gorges State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery

Top: Ted's Falls on Auger Hole Trail, K. Bischof

Gallery: Upper Bearwallow Falls, K. Bischof  |  Zebra, tiger, and spicebush swallowtails and a duskywing, K. Bischof  |  Wintergreen Falls, K. Bischof  |  Fall color along park road, L. Johnson  |  Rainbow Falls (in Pisgah National Forest, trail to falls starts at Gorges), M. Kane