Gorges State Park

A new state park is in the process of opening in North Carolina. Gorges State Park borders South Carolina near Lake Jocassee. The park staff opened one trail this past week called Rainbow Falls trail. To reach the trail, enter the park from Hwy 281 in Sapphire, NC and drive a couple miles to the parking area.

In addition to Rainbow Falls (pictured above) this 1.5 mile trail will take you past three other waterfalls. Rainbow Falls is easy enough to find. You can't miss it. Afterward climb the trail running to the top of the falls which will take you to two smaller falls. On the way back, you will pass two small unmarked trails on your right about half way back. Take the second one to Stair Step Falls.

I spoke to a park ranger who said they expect most of the park to be opened in two weeks. By the end of the summer a primitive campground featuring six campsites will also be opened as part of another four falls trail system.

A map of the area is available here from the Romantic Asheville website.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 62 miles.


View Larger Map