Explore Waterfalls, Mountains, And River Gorges When You Visit North Carolina’s Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park in North Carolina offers stunning waterfall hikes and scenic views in a mountainous region.

Looking for waterfalls in North Carolina? Consider exploring some of North Carolina's state parks for outdoor adventure and waterfall peeping. Many of them are overlooked by scores of residents and visitors alike, including the beautiful Gorges State Park in Transylvania County. Found along the North Carolina and South Carolina border, Gorges State Park is named for Jocassee Gorges in which the park is located. It's one of many gorgeous places that offers hiking trails with waterfalls in North Carolina.

The park features 7,709 acres of wide open nature in the mountains to explore, including a number of stunning waterfalls found along the many trails that wander through the park. In fact, you'll find some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina here.

More than 23 miles of trails await you, including a 6.7-mile segment of the 76-mile Foothills Trail that passes through both North and South Carolina.

Visitors ready to explore the many hikes will bear witness to the stunning natural beauty found in this mountainous region of the state.

Admire long-range views of the gorge from sky box overlooks perched high on the mountains along the trails.

And absolutely beautiful waterfalls that will leave you in awe. Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Sapphire can be found here.

For such an underrated park, Gorges State Park really delivers scenic views and some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in North Carolina.

The trails travel down into the gorges and criss-cross rivers and creeks, making for gorgeous backdrops for your keepsake photos.

Upon arrival to the park, be sure to stop at the visitors' center for a trail map and more information.

If you're looking for waterfalls in North Carolina and happen to be in Transylvania County, head to Gorges State Park for some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.

Limited backpack-only camping is also available here. Find out more from the official website for North Carolina State Parks!

What's your favorite state park in North Carolina, and why? Let us know in the comments!

Prefer to get into the water rather than just gaze at it? Check out these awesome North Carolina swimming holes.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories