Hiding amidst the mountains of Western, NC is North Carolina’s very own little rainforest. Gorges State Park is home to Jocassee Gorges, the only temperate rainforest in the United States east of the Rockies. For quite some time, this gorgeous area was almost unaccessible to tourists until Gorges State Park opened in 1999. It’s filled with some of the most amazing hidden waterfalls on the east coast, primitive hiking trails and natural beauty.

Flickr / bobistraveling
Located between Brevard and Cashiers, the breathtaking scenery and temperate climate are due to the fact the elevation rises nearly 2,000 ft. in just 4 miles. Pair that with over 80 inches of rainfall a year and you're sure to get one thing - your own jungle in North Carolina.
Yelp / Robin S.
Yelp / Robin S.
Gorges is perfect for the adventure lover with distance hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking and amazing waterfalls.
Flickr / bluesman46
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Rainbow Falls is powerful and rugged, a beautiful waterfall and unique sight.
Flickr / bobistraveling
Another popular waterfall is Turtleback Falls, which actually makes for a perfect natural waterslide. You can take a three-mile roundtrip hike that leads you into the Pisgah National Forest and to both falls.

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Flickr / Bobistraveling
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for fascinating nature along the way. The park is home to 125 rare plant and animal species.
Flickr / Mark Clifton
Yelp / Richard R
If you want to learn all about the park before you enter, stop by the impressive visitor center with museum-style exhibits.
Flickr / Angi English
Not far from Gorges State Park, you'll find the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Whitewater Falls.
Flickr / Dianne Frost
Adventure to Gorges State Park for a day or even a whole weekend! There's plenty to see and do and it's one of the most unique atmospheres and environments hiding in North Carolina.

Summer is the perfect time to visit this park, it’s amazing how under the radar it is for being so impressive!

Have you been to Gorges State Park before? If you haven’t, you’ll have to add it to your North Carolina summer bucket list.

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