Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
328 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
56
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Roadtripnana
Point Pleasant, WV678 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We didn’t get to see the whole park, however we took the trail to see Rainbow Falls and Turtle Back Falls. It is definitely not handicap accessible. It says 1.5 miles, but it took us about an hour to get to the falls. The walk is extremely tiring. Mostly uphill on the way back. The falls are beautiful though 😊 you can actually go down to the bottom of the falls. There were people swimming when we were there. It was a once hike for me 😱.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cwshats
Chicago, IL145 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
I've been here twice but never received a permit to go to the gorge floor. In the mid-90's I arrived in the afternoon and all the permits were gone for the day. This month I arrived at 7:50AM on a Friday and there were about 20 people hanging around for opening/permits. It was announced that based upon the rain weather forecast they would not likely be issuing permits that day. It did start to rain pretty hard around 8:30AM. I think they consider the wet rock conditions with rain to be dangerous. Maybe someday I'll get to the bottom.
Written May 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vickie W
Nashvile, TN27 contributions
May 2021
The Rainbow Falls hike was worth my aches and pains the next day (for this moderately active adult.) When you hike down, then you have to hike back up. Be prepared to get shoes wet. Hiking boots highly recommended. And we thought it was worth it to just go 10-15 minutes more to see Turtleback Falls. It was a great day in Gorges State Park.
We packed a lunch and ate it sitting on rocks in the river halfway to the waterfall. I highly recommend making a day of your visit to the waterfalls.
We packed a lunch and ate it sitting on rocks in the river halfway to the waterfall. I highly recommend making a day of your visit to the waterfalls.
Written May 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daydreambeliever2016
Tamassee, SC35 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The visitor center is one of the best I’ve seen in the area. Take a walk behind it for an overlook view. We did the hike to Rainbow Falls and eventually found out why it was rated as strenuous - but the Falls were so worth it! The trail seemed pretty easy at first, but got more difficult as we went. There are several creek crossings, so waterproof shoes are a plus. As you get closer to the falls, the trail goes up and down quite a bit and some of the steps put in to assist are a bit tall for those with short legs. We went after a week of heavy rain and the falls were roaring. There was so much mist from them that you could get soaked if you stayed very long. A walking stick is helpful for much of this trail.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
Panama City Beach, FL14,127 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Recently my brother, my daughter, and I took my five year old Granddaughter on a hike to Rainbow Falls. We arrived at the Grassy Ridge Parking area two miles inside Gorges State Park around 9am and there was plenty of parking available. The hike begins at the end of the lot. It is natural terrain, rough in places, creeks to ford, and the day we went several trees had fallen across the trail which we had to climb through. The trail is well marked so it is easy to follow. You will leave the state park and enter Pisgah National Forest where at about the 1.3 mile mark you will arrive at Hidden Falls. One more hill to climb and you arrive at Rainbow Falls. The 150 foot high falls on the Horsepasture River are well worth the hike (There is a wooden platform which offers opportunities for some fantastic pictures). Lucky for us on the day we visited it was sunny and mist from the falls formed a rainbow at the base of the falls (My Granddaughter loved that). From here the trail leveled and we arrived at Turtleback Falls at around the 1.7 mile mark. Here the water cascades over a large curved rock and plunges around 25 feet into a pool below. The trail is mostly downhill going so the trek back will be mostly uphill. Round trip was just under 4 miles and I would rate it a moderate hike. My 5 year old Granddaughter hiked the whole thing so how hard could it be right?? We had a great time. Highly recommend.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al Parker
Raleigh, NC81 contributions
Oct 2020
The waterfall is absolutely beautiful. The hike to it was misrepresented in the online description that we read. It is more than a 30 minute hike. It took us 55 minutes each way. There are two places where you have to walk through shallow creeks or try to navigate your balance on small rocks in the creek. Plan to get your feet wet. The hike was more strenuous than we expected based upon the information we read online. I would not recommend this for families with young children. Teenagers would be fine here.
Be very careful when driving through the park. The speed limit is 25 mph, but is not clearly posted except right at the entrance. They need more signs to remind drivers of the speed limit.
Be very careful when driving through the park. The speed limit is 25 mph, but is not clearly posted except right at the entrance. They need more signs to remind drivers of the speed limit.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EJRover
Atlanta, GA209 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Ok, no unicorns, but considering how magical this park is, it could happen… First of all, the Ranger Station is fantastic. It teaches you what you need to know about the region and about waterfalls. The displays are top-notch. There is an outdoor viewing deck that has scenic views, so less mobile visitors can still enjoy the beauty.
As for trails, we hiked to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. Yes, that roar you hear as you hit the trail is Rainbow Falls, and it is one of the most spectacular falls you will see. Well worth the hike. The hike is labeled “strenuous,” but that was not due to obstacles. It is a bit of a climb here and there. The stream crossings are easy, although the second one may be a bit harder for someone without good balance- take a walking stick! Again, the hike is WORTH IT! You have to see these falls for yourself. You’re welcome!
As for trails, we hiked to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. Yes, that roar you hear as you hit the trail is Rainbow Falls, and it is one of the most spectacular falls you will see. Well worth the hike. The hike is labeled “strenuous,” but that was not due to obstacles. It is a bit of a climb here and there. The stream crossings are easy, although the second one may be a bit harder for someone without good balance- take a walking stick! Again, the hike is WORTH IT! You have to see these falls for yourself. You’re welcome!
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mac D
Clemson, SC2,651 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
This is a great place to hike. It is not to difficult but also does have a few spots that are a little challenging. Bring a 2nd pair of shoes to wear home as the trail has some muddy spots. Wear hiking boots if possible to keep from slipping. The Rainbow Falls are spectacular!
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Richele Burke
Charleston, SC22 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Lots of areas to hike and few different parts of the waterfalls brooks and streams.
We saw people of all ages sizes and shapes along the trails and they all seemed to be enjoying it as much as we did.
Definitely should be on your to do list.
We saw people of all ages sizes and shapes along the trails and they all seemed to be enjoying it as much as we did.
Definitely should be on your to do list.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P
Dunwoody, GA207 contributions
Dec 2020
We did the Rainbow Falls hike/trail. Signage to the trailhead and parking lot were good and the portion of the trail within the state park was in excellent shape. Trails are well marked. Dogs are allowed on-leash. The main attractions are located on US Forest Service property and the trail is in rougher but still pretty good shape. Round trip the hike is about 4 miles. There are a couple of shallow water crossings and lots of seeps that wet parts of the trail. The mist from Rainbow falls makes one section of the trail muddy. This trail is a nice option if you're looking for an easy half day option. Plan on about two hours of hiking time.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the parking area it's about a 2 mile, strenuous walk each direction. Well worth the walk. While in the area drive and view Whitewater Falls, a short drive awsy.
Written June 28, 2019
12-14 miles.. winding roads— several towns..
Written June 15, 2018
Are the campsites for backpackers only? Would love to camp here but we're strictly car campers at the moment - we've never been backpacking! Thanks!
Written January 16, 2017
bicycles available for use everyday?
safe, easy bicycle ride to/from villagefest and shopping/dining areas?
transportation to/from airport?
Written July 30, 2015
Did not see any bikes - this is hiking for the most part. There are probably mountain bike trails around, but not near the waterfalls that I know of. Gorges State Park is NOT near much of anything, so a car is required to get there. And no, it is not near any airports. The whole area around Asheville is very accessible with a vehicle, but quite mountainous and windy roads if you are on a bicycle.
Written July 30, 2015
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