Hike by WTA Correspondents: Our rule used to be, you can only be carried on the uphill portions of the return hike. Hike a short trail that leads to one of the best viewpoints in the San Juans, with views of other San Juan Islands and of Canada's Gulf Islands. Bring a sandwich from Rose’s to go with the amazing view and it’s the perfect lunch spot. The right fork will lead you to the top of Rainbow Falls as is follows this section of the Horsepasture River. ), Your route leaves the old road here and heads down the obvious foot trail that continues on toward Turtlehead Summit (once known locally as "Orcas Knob," a name that still appears on some maps.). Rainbow Falls - just below Turtleback Falls on this hike. The trail climbs steeply as it winds up and around toward the top of Rainbow Falls. 100 yards past the falls and hike a steep path to the right. I talked to the agent on the phone and get the information that it is a 3-mile hike from the Gorges State Park trail entrance to Rainbow Falls and another 1 mile to Turtleback Falls. Rainbow Falls Trail located in Gorges State Park, NC is a rally nice deep woods hike, that begins in Gorges State Park and ends in Pisgah National Forest at either Rainbow Falls or Turtleback Falls.. Take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island (reservations recommended!) A number of islands are visible from here. The remainder of my top 10 list can be found here. So stay away! From the lower observation area, backtrack to the split in the Rainbow Falls Trail and take the upper branch. The trail levels to reach Turtleback Falls at 1.65 miles, where the Horsepasture River cascades 25 feet over a large, curved rock outcrop into a pool below. You mentioned Pisgah National Forest another that needs to further hike for another mile and half. Drift Falls Update: Hike another 1/2 mile upstream to reach the Drift Falls area with a few campsites along the river. Nov 3, 2019 - The hiking trail to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges State Park is worth the trip from Asheville, N.C. Our guide to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Turtleback Falls NC is an amazing and popular sliding rock and swimming hole, located deep inside Pisgah National Forest, near Sapphire, NC. Turn right on the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. Turtleback Falls is very nice but it has the misfortune of being just upstream from one of the most striking waterfalls in the area, Rainbow Falls. Several access points along the river provide views of Turtleback Falls as it comes in from the right. Just over 1.5 miles from your trailhead, come to another signed side trail. Use caution. We thought the hike was great. The old roadbed continues downhill as well, and its surface has also been graveled. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 You should find a flat with firepit and nice hammock trees. (That's an alternative route to this point, but one that is longer and has more elevation gain. Wildflowers will appear later in the season. If it’s warm out you will have to contend with people sliding down the rock into the pool at the base. If backpacking overnight follow the river approx. It was very shaded and the inclines weren't strenuous. This hike is beautiful at all times of year, but it is especially rewarding in the fall for colored foliage. The trail accesses the Horse Pasture River and follows it upstream. If you don't relish road walks, no worries. Posted by San Juan Hiker. While it’s certainly not safe to swim on or near Rainbow Falls, many people use Turtleback Falls as a natural waterslide and swimming area. where you can look out across President Channel to Waldron Island, and beyond. Either shot will do. See more ideas about gorges state park, turtleback falls, pisgah national forest. Again, there’s a lot to see and this helps keep their mind off how much their legs hurt. Again, there’s a lot to see and this helps keep their mind off how much their legs hurt. 29-jun-2020 - Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Hike | Hiking near Asheville, N.C. Alan Gibbs. In another 0.11 mile, come to a creek crossing. While you’ll probably want to linger for a while, you can also continue up the trail for around 10 more minutes to Turtleback Falls, a low waterfall over a curved rock that resembles a turtle shell. Turtleback Falls is a great picnic spot for fall color in October. The hike from Rainbow to Turtleback Falls is less than 0.15 of a mile so barely enough time to get bored and complain. The falls are very close together. The downstream views don’t provide a striaght on view of the Falls. Topozone map shows contours but not trails https://www.topozone.com/washington/san-juan-wa/island/orcas-island/. The hike is rated strenuous, not due to the length, but due to the hilly nature of the trail itself. Home     Alphabetical Listing     Numerical Listing     Location Listing     Gorges State Park. If you venture further upstream you can get a straight on view of the falls. Along the way, enjoy an exuberant display of mosses and, in season, wildflowers. The hike curves around upper Turtleback, catching views of the unique waterfall upriver. It begins as a gentle downhill grade, losing about 275 feet before the uphill resumes. – 15 mins from Hayesville – put Leatherwood Falls, Sweetwater, NC in your GPS. However, we are middle aged and do some exercising. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association A short distance past main rainbow falls you can view two other falls, one is which is at the very end of the park / path with warning signs not to venture further onto private property. While Turtleback Falls is inside the Pisgah National Forest, the trailhead to it begins at Gorges State Park. On a clear day, the summit dome of Mt. The worst of the outbound hike is over. It may seem wide, and it's actually an old logging road. The best time to appreciate the mosses is late winter or early spring. The falls combine a slide and short free fall into a 20-foot drop and a deep splash pool. It resembles more of an ATV track than a trail at this point. The trail out to Turtlehead Summit opened in 2013, and was constructed by volunteers from WTA, Washington Conservation Corps, and Orcas Island Youth Conservation Corps. South Turtleback is one of my favorite hikes! Turtleback Falls is a great picnic spot for fall color in October. The eroded sections and the steep ascent coming to Rainbow Falls may challenge younger children. The falls is usually accessed by a hike starting in Gorges State Park which passes through Pisgah National Forest property. then head north on Orcas Rd (aka Horseshoe Highway.) Continue on the trail for 0.16 mile to Turtleback Falls on the left. More information Turtleback Falls ~ 1.5m hike to Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park with another 1/4m to Turtleback and swimming. Jun 28, 2020 - Explore Ingrid's board "Turtleback falls" on Pinterest. The rocks are slippery and current swift. See more ideas about Turtleback falls, North carolina travel, Lake lure. It leads to other trails that continue down to the South Trailhead along Deer Harbor Rd. This will lead you to the next stop, Turtleback Falls. Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. Taken as a whole this ranks as my top waterfall hike in the area. Rainbow Falls is just over 1.5 miles in, and Turtleback Falls is less than half a mile beyond that. Oct 29, 2016 - Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. In 3.5 miles, where Orcas Rd bends sharply right, be alert for a left turn onto narrow Nordstrom Ln, and take it about a half-mile to a T-junction with Crow Valley Rd, where you turn right. Great trails and another fantastic vista. The wide trail begins just past the gate. Turtleback Falls is another quarter mile up the trail from Rainbow Falls. The roar of the river grows louder before fading completely as you dip into a side cove. This trail was constructed with great sensitivity, and it winds carefully around mossy boulders and tree trunks. Drift Falls Update: Hike another 1/2 mile upstream to reach the Drift Falls area with a few campsites along the river. The signed North Trail starts out from the parking area. Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Rosman. There is room for about 15 cars. More dramatically, a golden eagle may soar by. The hike from Rainbow to Turtleback Falls is less than 0.15 of a mile so barely enough time to get bored and complain. Angela said: I am looking to hike the Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. The eroded sections and the steep ascent coming to Rainbow Falls may challenge younger children. A plastic privy is available, but there is no regular water source. Turtleback Falls is the fourth waterfall of five waterfalls along this section of the Horsepasture River. Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail is a 3.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Jul 31, 2016 - Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. The strength of the current can be misleading. There are plenty of places you can safely get in the river. I did a lot of carrying of my then 4 year old, on the way back. Turtleback Falls is a short distance upstream from Rainbow Falls. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Hiking through the Pisgah National Forest on a 2 mile hike, you come to Rainbow Falls (not shown) & Turtleback Falls. One one more to go on this hike, Drift Falls. This used to come into play frequently. At 0.99 mile from the trailhead, a brown carsonite steak marks the side trail on the left for Stairway Falls. Since you have to park in Gorges, I list them in the Gorges Section. Along the way, enjoy an exuberant display … Another fabulous hike at South Turtleback! You can take some shots of the falls from the large rock directly in front of the falls or you can shoot it from below the bend in profile. Cross the creek and hike another 0.45 mile to Rainbow Falls on the left. People slide down these falls and swim in the swimming hole beneath them, but the currents can be extremely strong so, again, be cautious. All are accessed from the same parking area in Gorges State park even though the waterfalls themselves are in Pisgah. The falls is usually accessed by a hike starting in Gorges State Park which passes through Pisgah National Forest property. In the distance, Vancouver Island and the Olympic mountains will be visible. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. At first it's gently uphill. This 5 waterfall hike is a 4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Toxaway, NC that features 4 waterfalls and is rated moderate. As you approach the Turtlehead Summit the area opens up completely. It was once a popular natural slide (also known as Bust Your Butt), but it's on private property. Constitution and other Orcas Island high points. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. One misstep and you could end up in the river just above Rainbow Falls. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest. Sightings of golden eagles, turkey vultures, and many other birds are likely. Reviewed July 14, 2020 A small group of friends hiked the Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls trail. Hike a short trail that leads to one of the best viewpoints in the San Juans, with views of other San Juan Islands and of Canada's Gulf Islands. You are likely to see a few swallows gliding around the summit on their never-ending quest for an insect lunch. The trail is primarily used for hiking, and camping and is accessible year-round. The hike to Stairway Falls is the only that begins in the parking area. Once the river slides down Turtleback Falls into the collection pool it makes a hard right and races to Rainbow Falls. Things get much better farther along. In the distance, Vancouver Island and the Olympic mountains will be visible. Feb 20, 2018 - The hiking trail to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges State Park is worth the trip from Asheville, N.C. Our guide to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. However, the trail - and optionally, the hike - continues about a half mile further upstream to a couple of smaller cascades and waterfalls - namely, Turtleback Falls and the one we're after - Drift Falls. While there is a 3.5 mile round trip hike required to access Turtleback Falls, during the warm Carolina Summer months expect this destination to be a very popular spot. This short (0.05-mile) trail leads to the Waldron Overlook, a viewpoint located on the edge of a sheer cliff (be careful!) I’m going to treat Stairway Falls, Secret Falls, Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls as a single entity. It's eroded in places, with steep side slopes eating into the trail surface. Despite the steeper segments the hike remains kid friendly. 5/5. Rainier will be visible in the far distance. Return to the North Trail and, almost immediately, come to an intersection where the North Trail veers sharply left. Vancouver Island is visible off to the far west, and the Olympic Mountains off to the south. May 29, 2019 - Explore David Freeze's board "gorges state park near asheville" on Pinterest. It offers an optional break from the road, and leads 0.15 miles to the North Valley Overlook. Our next stop, ... Fire Creek Falls – Great place to hike, have a picnic and even swim. Turtleback Falls is uniquely shaped, offering the ability to climb up to the top, and then sliding back down. The worst of the outbound hike is over. I’m so thankful this land is protected and happily donated to the Trust to help keep it maintained. Trail approaching Turtlehead Summit. The river between falls tranquil and as long as the rock is dry you can venture out. But the slope soon steepens from gentle to moderate, and about a half-mile from the trailhead a signed side trail appears on the right. Rainbow Falls, Stairway Falls, Turtle-back Falls, and Bust-yo-butt Falls! Turtle) Falls is an open rockface waterfall that can also be enjoyed as a slip-n-slide in summer months. On a warm day, this place will be packed. The marked trail ends at Rainbow Falls, however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls. Turtleback Mountain Preserve: Turtlehead Summit, Check the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau travel advisory for the latest COVID updates. Turtle Back is a very safe place for riding the waterfalls. Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands, Day Hiking the San Juans and Gulf Islands. The way levels out briefly and passes a skunk cabbage bog before climbing some more. Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Brevard. Google map shows the trailhead location but not the trails. Photo by Marin. Thank you!! They’re about a 40 min drive from the Highlands in Gorges State Park. Each successive waterfall on the hike will begin at its predecessor so this will be a little different than my other entries. Return to the North Trail and continue on uphill. and Turtleback Falls. Hike to Rainbow first by starting on the obvious trail at the kiosks on the south end of the parking area. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The signed trailhead will be on your left in 1.6 miles. (Bring a map and try to identify some.) As a slip-n-slide, visitors slide down the face of the Falls, then enjoy a (roughly) 10 foot drop into an open basin pool. If you venture out onto any of these vantages use caution. Posted by Sybrina. Enjoy a great view across to Mt. I absolutely loved getting to slide down the waterfall at Turtleback Falls. It was once a popular natural slide (also known as Bust Your Butt), but it's on private property. The top of Rainbow Falls isn’t one of them. Located on Horsepasture River within Gorges State Park, Turtleback (aka. While the San Juans and nearby islands have a wealth of outstanding viewpoints, many hikers proclaim Turtlehead to be the best of them all. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. A tree near the overlook is favored by turkey vultures, and you might see one perched there. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest. 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