Gorges State Park, Lake Toxaway

Gorges State Park has plunging waterfalls and rugged river gorges andone of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species of plants in the eastern United States.

An elevation gain of 2,000 feet in only four miles and rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year combine to supply a number of waterfall with plenty of water.

Located withinGorges State Park is the new 7,100 square-foot Visitor Center which opened in late 2012. At the visitor center are picnic shelters and restrooms.& There is also a large exhibit hall and a>large covered wrap around deck offering outstanding southern views of the escarpment and park.

There is fishing, boating, camping, hiking and mountain biking in the park. There are also picnic tables for a meal or a snack after a long hike.

The Bearwallow Falls and Bearwallow Valley trails are accessed from the Grassey Ridge entrance.The Grassy Ridge Access off North Carolina Highway 281 in Sapphire is the park's primary access. This area is well known for providing the principle access to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls on the Horsepasture River.