Discover the Natural Wonders of Gorges State Park
Experience the breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures at Gorges State Park in North Carolina, a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Gorges State Park is a stunning natural retreat in North Carolina, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy. From hiking trails to cascading waterfalls, this park is a haven for nature lovers.
A brief summary to Gorges State Park
- 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, North Carolina, 28774, US
- +1828-966-9099
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the fall to witness stunning foliage and vibrant colors.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots, as some trails can be rugged and steep.
- Check the weather before your visit; conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning waterfalls and scenic views along the trails.
- Stop by the visitor center for maps and information about ranger-led programs.
Getting There
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Car
From Caesars Head State Park, take US-276 South. Follow US-276 for approximately 12 miles until you reach the intersection with NC-281. Turn right onto NC-281 and continue for about 8 miles. Look for the signs directing you to Gorges State Park. Turn left onto Grassy Ridge Road, and the park entrance will be on your left at 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. However, if you are near a bus stop, take a local bus that heads toward Brevard, NC. From Brevard, you can arrange for a ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft) to Gorges State Park. The approximate distance from Brevard to Gorges State Park is about 20 miles, and ride-share costs may vary.
Discover more about Gorges State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Laurel Falls
8.8 km
Experience the natural beauty and historical significance of Laurel Falls in Sunset, SC, a must-visit landmark for nature lovers and hikers.
Zachary-Tolbert House
11.8 km
Explore the rich heritage of North Carolina at the Zachary-Tolbert House, a historical museum immersing visitors in the region's early settler life.
Sassafras Mountain
16.4 km
Discover the breathtaking views and diverse hiking trails at Sassafras Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Courthouse Valley Overlook
22.6 km
Discover the stunning vistas and natural beauty at Courthouse Valley Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Burrell's Place Site
22.9 km
Explore Burrell's Place Site, a historical landmark in Mountain Rest, SC, rich in stories and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Wolf Mountain Overlook
22.9 km
Discover breathtaking views and serene nature at Wolf Mountain Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Table Rock Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Site
24.4 km
Explore the Table Rock Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Site, a historic landmark rich in history and surrounded by the natural beauty of South Carolina.
Commemorating The Ring Fight
25.2 km
Experience the profound historical significance and natural beauty at The Ring Fight landmark in Cheohee Valley, South Carolina.
Tamassee Town Historical Site
25.3 km
Experience the charm of Tamassee Town Historical Site, where rich history meets natural beauty in South Carolina.
Caney Fork Overlook
25.7 km
Discover the breathtaking views at Caney Fork Overlook, a serene escape along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains.
Graveyard Fields Upper Falls
25.8 km
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Graveyard Fields Upper Falls, a hidden gem of North Carolina's wilderness, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
East Fork Overlook
26.9 km
Discover the stunning panoramic views of East Fork Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Fort Prince George Historic Site (ca. 1753)
27.0 km
Explore Fort Prince George, an 18th-century historical landmark in Six Mile, SC, revealing the colonial military history of the region.
Art Loeb Trailhead (south)
29.3 km
Discover the Art Loeb Trailhead (South) in Pisgah Forest, a prime hiking destination with stunning views and diverse trails for all skill levels.
Caesar's Head Overlook
29.3 km
Explore the breathtaking views and serene landscapes at Caesar's Head Overlook, a must-visit destination in South Carolina's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unmissable attractions to see
Turtleback Falls
1.5 km
Discover the beauty of Turtleback Falls, a stunning natural attraction in North Carolina, perfect for hiking, photography, and reconnecting with nature.
John's Jump Falls
6.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of John's Jump Falls in Sapphire, NC, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Thompson River Falls
8.6 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Thompson River Falls in Salem, SC, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes.
Laurel Fork Falls
8.7 km
Explore Laurel Fork Falls, a stunning natural park in Sunset, SC, featuring breathtaking waterfalls and lush landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures.
Whitewater Falls
9.1 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Whitewater Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern U.S., located in the stunning scenery of North Carolina.
Wright Creek Falls
10.1 km
Experience the natural beauty of Wright Creek Falls in Salem, SC, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking waterfalls and serene landscapes.
Granny Burrell Falls
10.2 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Granny Burrell Falls, a serene waterfall nestled in Sapphire, North Carolina's stunning landscape.
Jumping Off Rock Overlook
10.7 km
Discover the stunning vistas and serene hiking trails at Jumping Off Rock Overlook in Sunset, South Carolina, a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Silver Run Falls Trailhead
11.1 km
Explore the serene beauty of Silver Run Falls Trailhead, a hiking paradise in Cashiers, NC, featuring stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes.
Panthertown Valley Trailhead - Public Access
11.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Panthertown Valley, an iconic hiking area in North Carolina filled with stunning landscapes and diverse trails.
Water Fall
14.0 km
Experience the beauty of nature at the Water Fall, a scenic spot in Clearwater, South Carolina, offering breathtaking views and adventure.
Cashiers Sliding Rock
14.5 km
Discover the thrill of sliding into nature's pools at Cashiers Sliding Rock, an iconic natural attraction in Highlands, North Carolina.
Trench Platform
14.6 km
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Lake Jocassee at the breathtaking Trench Platform, a must-visit destination in South Carolina.
The Wall at Lake Jocassee
14.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures at The Wall at Lake Jocassee, a must-visit destination in South Carolina.
Twin Falls Trail
15.2 km
Explore the breathtaking Twin Falls Trail in South Carolina, where stunning waterfalls and picturesque landscapes create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Essential places to dine
Villa Amato
3.1 km
Discover Villa Amato: An Authentic Italian Restaurant Offering Exquisite Cuisine Amidst the Natural Beauty of Lake Toxaway.
Grand Olde Station Restaurant
4.3 km
Experience authentic American cuisine amidst the breathtaking beauty of Lake Toxaway at Grand Olde Station Restaurant.
The Restaurant at The Greystone Inn
4.9 km
Experience exquisite dining at The Restaurant at The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway – where local flavors meet breathtaking views.
Micas Restaurant and Pub
10.3 km
Discover Micas Restaurant and Pub in Sapphire: A delightful American eatery offering delicious pizzas, bar favorites, and an inviting atmosphere.
Slopeside Tavern
10.3 km
Discover Slopeside Tavern: A delightful dining destination in Sapphire Valley offering delicious meals and stunning mountain views.
Canyon Kitchen
11.0 km
Experience fine dining at its best at Canyon Kitchen in Sapphire, NC—where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Table Rock Resort
20.4 km
Experience nature's beauty at Table Rock Resort – your perfect escape in South Carolina's scenic landscape.
The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek
22.8 km
Experience farm-to-table dining at The Stubborn Bull in Highlands, NC - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
22.8 km
Discover culinary delight at Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Highlands - where American flavors meet French elegance.
Sister's Restaurant
25.1 km
Experience the warm hospitality and delicious American cuisine at Sister's Restaurant in beautiful Salem, South Carolina.
Pat's Cash & Carry
26.0 km
Discover the heart of American comfort food at Pat's Cash & Carry in Salem, SC – where every meal feels like home.
Habanero's Mexican Grill
27.3 km
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at Habanero's Mexican Grill in Tamassee - a must-visit spot for food lovers!
Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom
29.7 km
Discover authentic Southern barbecue at Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom in Pisgah Forest—where every bite tells a story of flavor and tradition.
Pisgah Fish Camp
30.0 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Pisgah Fish Camp nestled in scenic Pisgah Forest, perfect for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Pumpkintown Mountain Opry
30.2 km
Discover delicious American cuisine infused with Southern hospitality at Pumpkintown Mountain Opry in Pickens, SC.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Historic Toxaway Market
3.0 km
Explore gourmet delights and fine wines at Historic Toxaway Market in Lake Toxaway, NC - a treasure trove for food enthusiasts and travelers.
The General Store
7.3 km
Explore unique gifts and local crafts at The General Store in Brevard, North Carolina, where every item tells a story.
Lake Jocassee
13.0 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures at Lake Jocassee, a hidden gem nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina.
The Cashiers Store
13.3 km
Explore The Cashiers Store for unique clothing and local artisan treasures in beautiful Cashiers, North Carolina.
Vivace of Cashiers
13.7 km
Discover unique fashion finds at Vivace of Cashiers, where style meets the charm of the North Carolina mountains for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Eclectic Sun Paddlesports
15.9 km
Discover the beauty of South Carolina's waterways with canoe and kayak rentals at Eclectic Sun Paddlesports, your go-to for outdoor adventure.
JOCASSEE LAKE TOURS
16.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Lake Jocassee with unforgettable guided tours in South Carolina.
Lake Jocassee Devils Point #1 access
16.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and serene waters of Lake Jocassee, a premier swimming lake in South Carolina perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards Marina
16.2 km
Discover unparalleled natural beauty and endless recreational activities at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards Marina, a haven for adventure seekers in South Carolina.
Jocassee Outdoor Center
16.9 km
Discover endless adventures at Jocassee Outdoor Center, your hub for boating, fishing, and outdoor exploration in South Carolina's stunning landscapes.
Lake Jocassee Dive Shop
18.3 km
Explore the depths of Lake Jocassee with the premier dive shop, offering SCUBA instruction, gear rentals, and unforgettable underwater adventures.
Jocassee Keowee Rentals LLC
19.4 km
Discover the enchanting waters of Lake Jocassee with Jocassee Keowee Rentals, your premier boat and kayak rental service in South Carolina.
RECLAMATIONS
20.3 km
Explore RECLAMATIONS in Highlands, NC, where unique antiques and architectural salvage await to inspire your next project or home decor.
Jocassee Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service
22.4 km
Discover the ultimate fishing experience in South Carolina at Jocassee Outfitters Fly Shop & Guide Service, where adventure meets expert guidance.
Rosenthals
23.0 km
Explore Rosenthals Boutique in Highlands, NC for an exquisite selection of women's fashion, shoes, and perfumes in a charming shopping atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Panthertown Cafe LLC
2.1 km
Experience the charm of southern cuisine at Panthertown Cafe, where nature and delicious flavors meet in the heart of Lake Toxaway.
Osteria Del Monte
3.2 km
Experience the essence of Italy at Osteria Del Monte, where authentic flavors and a cozy atmosphere await in Sapphire, NC.
Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant
3.3 km
Savor authentic Mexican flavors in a vibrant setting at Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
Jocassee Point
7.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and outdoor adventures at Jocassee Point, your gateway to nature in South Carolina's stunning landscapes.
The Fix Restaurant Bar and Lounge
10.0 km
Discover the flavors of Sapphire at The Fix Restaurant Bar and Lounge, where culinary excellence meets breathtaking mountain views.
The Library Kitchen & Bar
10.1 km
Discover the perfect blend of Southern charm and culinary delight at The Library Kitchen & Bar in Sapphire, NC.
Forks of the River Taproom
11.4 km
Discover the rustic allure of Forks of the River Taproom, a cozy beer garden in Rosman, NC, surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Ugly Dog Pub-Cashiers
13.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at The Ugly Dog Pub in Cashiers, North Carolina, your go-to spot for food, drinks, and entertainment.
Whiteside Brewing Company
13.9 km
Experience the best of craft beer at Whiteside Brewing Company, a brewpub nestled in the scenic beauty of Cashiers, North Carolina.
Jocassee Valley Brewing Company
21.1 km
Experience the best of craft brewing at Jocassee Valley Brewing Company, where local flavors and scenic views unite for an unforgettable visit.
The High Dive
22.7 km
Discover The High Dive in Highlands, NC - a lively bar offering creative cocktails, great vibes, and a perfect spot to unwind after your adventures.
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
23.0 km
Discover the charm of The Ugly Dog Public House in Highlands, a dog-friendly pub offering delicious food, craft drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Twice A Town Taproom
23.2 km
Explore Twice A Town Taproom in Salem, SC – a cozy bar offering an exceptional selection of craft beers and local flavors.
Table Rock reservoir Overlook
23.4 km
Discover the stunning vistas and serene beauty at Table Rock Reservoir Overlook in South Carolina, a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cook Out
26.6 km
Experience authentic American fast food at Cook Out in Brevard, where delicious burgers, barbecue, and milkshakes await you.
