Lake Jocassee (via Canebrake Trail)

Gorges State Park is one of North Carolina’s newest state parks.  The property was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation, and the transaction includes a 2,900-acre game land managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.  The 7,100-acre state park has 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 to Lake Jocassee starts at the parking area off Frozen Creek Road and descends gradually on the Canebrake Trail to a designated campground and a lengthy suspension bridge over the Toxaway River. There are multiple campsites in this area at Lake Jocassee and each has a picnic table, fire ring, and pole to hang your food.