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RAY FISHER CAMPSITE
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| LOCATION:
Western North Carolina |
| HIKE
STARTS: NC 281 Parking Area |
| HIKE ENDS:
NC 281 Parking Area |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 8.2 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
In and Out, Backtrack Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult |
| TRAILS
USED: Green, Windy Falls Trails |
| TRAIL
TRAFFIC: Light to Moderate |
| TRIP TYPE:
Day or Overnight Hike |
| MANAGEMENT:
Gorges State Park |
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 to the Ray Fischer campsite starts at the
parking area off NC 281 and gradually descends to a designated camping area with
picnic tables, pit toilets, and a small pond. From here, you can either
take a short side-hike to Windy Falls or a viewing platform at Bearwallow Falls.
Both have scenic overlooks, but access to Windy Falls is more difficult due to
some challenging terrain and the need for excellent route finding skills. Note: Many of the park's facilities are still being
developed, so information, rules and regulations are subject to
change.
MORE DETAILS
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