March 8, 2022
Tallulah Gorge State Park-Stoneplace & High Bluff Trails
at Tallulah Gorge State Park
An easy hike today on a combination of forest service roads and single-file trails. The weather was quite nice with cloudy skies and mild temperatures. Much of the trail shows extensive use of "prescribed burns," especially along the High Bluff Trail. NC State College of Natural Resources, states, "Prescribed fire improves wildlife habitat for both game and non-game species, especially when patches of unburned areas are left for nesting and cover. In fire-adapted forests, it reduces competition from species that can’t tolerate fire. It encourages the new growth of native vegetation, increases the biodiversity of plant species, minimizes the spread of pest insects and disease, and recycles nutrients back into the soil." With Ray's and Beth's attention, we were fortunate to spot some early blooming wildflowers and trees. This is a good time of the year for less obstructed views of Tallulah Gorge.
The route
5.6 mi · 564 ft climbing · 3h 19m out, 2h 36m walking · 2.2 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (19)
A panoramic view of the southwest to northwest vista from Inspiration Point at Tallulah Gorge State Park Today's Hikers . . . all of them this time! (L-R): Bob, Mike, Jenny, Gary, Bruce, Jeanne, Tim, Angela, Dave, Dick, Mary Lu, Don, Beth, Ray & Vic. Getting started. Stoneplace Trail Interesting decoration along the Stoneplace Trail Headed down the High Bluff Trail with extensive burnt landscape. Views of the gorge from the point along the High Bluff Trails A long cascad/falls on the south side of the gorge viewed from the "High Bluff." A bit of wet crossing returning from the High Bluff Trail . . later to find out we could have just walked a bit further around it. Not an Indian pointing tree, but certainly eyecatching. Blooms of Serviceberry Tree. And this is the ragged Serviceberry Tree that produced those beautiful late winter flowers. . . determined to live. Munching at Inspiration Point. Views up and down the gorge from Inspiration Point. A couple of cascades viewed from Inspiration Point. Trailing Arbutus found toward the end of the hike. An endangered Persistent Trillium spotted by Ray along the trail only measuring ~ 2.5 inches across. A rare find that Ray is still smiling about. Can you see the "bear's head?" An interesting rock formation at Overlook #1 Ray and Jenny on the final climb on the way to the interpretive center.