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HORSEPASTURE RIVER
LOCATION:  Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS:  NC 281
HIKE ENDS:  NC 281
TOTAL DISTANCE:  6.2 Miles
HIKE TYPE:  In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY:  Moderate to Difficult
TRAILS USED:  Rainbow Falls, Windy Falls
TRAIL TRAFFIC:  Light to Moderate
TRIP TYPE:  Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT:  Nantahala National Forest

HIGHLIGHTS:  Gorges State Park is one of North Carolina's newest state parks, and the property was recently purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation.  The transaction created a 2,900-acre gameland managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and a 7,100-acre state park with plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States.  This hike along the Horsepasture River starts at NC 281 and descends past Turtleback Falls to Rainbow Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in the southeast.  Those with excellent route finding skills can enter the Nantahala National Forest and continue along the Horsepasture River to Windy Falls which drops nearly 500 feet over a series of cascades.  Note:  Many of the state park's facilities are still being developed, so information, rules and regulations are subject to change.

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike:  February 10, 2001
bullet click to view a detailed trip report:  February 10, 2001 (password required)
bullet click to view maps:  area map, detailed map (password required), park map, profile map, TopoZone map
bulletclick for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
bulletclick for North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
bulletclick for other hikes in Gorges State Park


 
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