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Waterfalls Worth the Hike

One of the great joys of hiking in Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park is that there is often a “reward” for your effort: a stunning view, an interesting geological formation or, as the subject of this blog attests, a waterfall. Here are four hikes that will make all that leg work worth it. 

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Rainbow Falls
Pisgah National Forest

(with access from Gorges State Park)

Recent improvements at Gorges State Park have made this trek a delight. From the parking area at Grassy Ridge, the well-groomed trail descends to the stunning Horsepasture River. When you reach the river, turn right. The trail becomes steeper, but the effort is worth it. The trail skirts around Rainbow Falls, offering up a great view. If you’ve got energy to burn, continue up river to Turtle Back Falls and Drift Falls — a waterfall trifecta!

Distance: 3.9 miles roundtrip
Trails: Grassy Ridge Access
Starting Point: Grassy Ridge Parking Area, Gorges State Park.

Directions to trailhead: From downtown Brevard, go west on US 64 toward Sapphire for 18.2 miles. Turn left on NC 281 and go .7 miles. Turn left into park entrance. Proceed to the Grassy Ridge parking lot.

All Trails Link

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Twin Falls
Pisgah National Forest

A beautiful, moderate hike delivers you to this doubly satisfying cascade deep in Pisgah National Forest. If you’re looking for a wintertime hike, this one fits the bill, as the views are best when the leaves are off the trees.

Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip
Trails: Buckhorn Gap Trail (orange blaze), Pisgah National Forest

Directions to trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, drive north on US 276 for 2.2 miles. Turn right on FS 477 and follow the gravel logging road 2.75 miles to a small parking pullout and Buckhorn Gap Trail on right.

All Trails Link (this link includes the entire Twin Falls Loop, a longer version of the out and back trail we are featuring.)

 

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Cedar Rock Falls
Pisgah National Forest

This kid-friendly hike is fairly easy and delivers you to this small, but appealing, waterfall off of Cat Gap Loop. If you’re up for more hiking, Cat Gap Loop can be followed to the top of John Rock, which offers stunning views of Looking Glass Rock and the mountains beyond.

Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Trails: Cat Gap Loop, Pisgah National Forest

Directions to trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, drive north on US 276 for 5.3 miles and bear left on FS 475 for 1.4 miles. Turn left into Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Hike logging road FS 475C (near building and behind a gate) a few feet and turn right on Cat Gap Loop. Hike .75 mile to unmarked trail on left leading down to falls.

All Trails Link (this link includes the entire Cat Gap Loop, a longer version of the out and back trail we are featuring.)

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Wintergreen Falls
DuPont State Recreational Forest

While not as popular as nearby Triple Falls and High Falls (which you can detour to), Wintergreen is a little slice of scenic seclusion deep in DuPont. This beautiful cascade, embraced by a mature forest of hardwoods and evergreens, is the perfect spot to mediate on the wonder of nature.

Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip
Trails: Tarkiln Branch and Wintergreen Falls

Directions to trailhead: From the intersection of US 276 and US 64 in downtown Brevard (corner of Main and Broad), travel south on US 276 for 11 miles. Turn left on Cascade Lake Road and travel 2.5 miles. Turn right on Staton Road and travel 4.8 miles. Turn right on Sky Valley Road and travel .9 mile on pavement and .8 mile on gravel Turn right into Guion Farm access parking area. Hike Tarkiln Branch Trail to Wintergreen Falls Trail.

All Trails Link