February 7, 2023
Gorges State Park Waterfalls Trail
near Sapphire, NC
This was one of our more challenging but rewarding hikes with a concentration of several large waterfalls in a hike. We visited four large waterfalls: Windy, Staircase, Rainbow and Turtleback Falls. The Horsepasture River is impressive with high flows and massive boulders creating almost continuous scenic cascades and rapids. The main trails within the park are heavily used and quite wide with gravel used extensively to control erosion. The trail section leading down to Windy Falls has a recent application of 2-3 inch granite rocks which in combination with a heavy leaf cover made for very uncomfortable, if not, slippery walking. Once outside the park along the northwestern section of the Rainbow Falls Trail, the trail transitions to a narrower, wetter and more rooty bed. Accessing Windy and Staircase Falls requires careful footing down even steeper and narrower trails. We did not attempt to reach the base of Windy Falls which, by later research, is extremely dangerous. This was a difficult, but rewarding hike with some long and steep climbs and descents on less than ideal trails. However, it was worth the long drive and extra effort. As a footnote, NC Park Service states this park has the largest concentration of 20 waterfalls, the most of any of its parks.
The route
7.3 mi · 1,742 ft climbing · 5h 36m out, 4h 16m walking · 1.7 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%
17 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (19)
Showcasing a lesser seen Staircase Falls rather than the more well known, Rainbow Falls. Today's hikers at Rainbow Falls(L-R): Linda, Gary, Jenny, Renee, Jane, Squirt, Rich, Lynn, John, Jack, Heather, Mike & Beth. Getting organized. Another, "Great day for a hike!"he hike. The main trails are well marked, but not to Windy Falls . Trail to Windy Falls. Left:Wide but very rocky roadbed. Right, final approach on a mostly washed out and steep trail. Just upstream of Windy Falls. Heather & John on the top of Windy Falls Several of our hikers on the top of Windy Falls. You cannot see the bottom of the falls from here. Showing what we could not get to, the bottom of Windy Falls, a 200-foot drop through massive boulders. Views from the top of Staircase Falls along Horsepasture River. Another view of the several cascades composing Staircase Falls. Who's that old guy? Breaktime on the top of Staircase Falls. Squirt says, "How about me?" Is the sky falling, Beth? Photo moments at Staircase Falls by Beth McDonald. A stream crossing on our way to Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is really something to see. No rainbow today, even with a blowing mist. Some of our lady hikers taking pictures at the overlook at the base of Rainbow Falls. A couple of views of Turtleback Falls just above Rainbow Falls. Trail condition off park boundaries on the way to Rainbow Falls.