South Turtleback is one of my favorite hikes! Jul 31, 2016 - Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. Vancouver Island is visible off to the far west, and the Olympic Mountains off to the south. It begins as a gentle downhill grade, losing about 275 feet before the uphill resumes. Constitution and other Orcas Island high points. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association The best time to appreciate the mosses is late winter or early spring. You are likely to see a few swallows gliding around the summit on their never-ending quest for an insect lunch. where you can look out across President Channel to Waldron Island, and beyond. 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. There's a mild eddy to the right of falls and current to the left so swim towards the shore once you take your plunge. – 15 mins from Hayesville – put Leatherwood Falls, Sweetwater, NC in your GPS. The eroded sections and the steep ascent coming to Rainbow Falls may challenge younger children. It may seem wide, and it's actually an old logging road. You should find a flat with firepit and nice hammock trees. Home     Alphabetical Listing     Numerical Listing     Location Listing     Gorges State Park. On a clear day, the summit dome of Mt. The trail arcs around Turtleback Falls, crossing a small wood bridge and passing a tall rock outcrop and shallow cave. The hike to Stairway Falls is the only that begins in the parking area. We thought the hike was great. Turtleback Falls is uniquely shaped, offering the ability to climb up to the top, and then sliding back down. 29-jun-2020 - Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Hike | Hiking near Asheville, N.C. You mentioned Pisgah National Forest another that needs to further hike for another mile and half. It's eroded in places, with steep side slopes eating into the trail surface. One misstep and you could end up in the river just above Rainbow Falls. The way levels out briefly and passes a skunk cabbage bog before climbing some more. Rainbow Falls, Stairway Falls, Turtle-back Falls, and Bust-yo-butt Falls! A tree near the overlook is favored by turkey vultures, and you might see one perched there. Topozone map shows contours but not trails https://www.topozone.com/washington/san-juan-wa/island/orcas-island/. I’m going to treat Stairway Falls, Secret Falls, Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls as a single entity. The trail climbs steeply as it winds up and around toward the top of Rainbow Falls. 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. In another 0.11 mile, come to a creek crossing. The signed trailhead will be on your left in 1.6 miles. 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. Jun 28, 2020 - Explore Ingrid's board "Turtleback falls" on Pinterest. Turtle Back is a very safe place for riding the waterfalls. Return to the North Trail and, almost immediately, come to an intersection where the North Trail veers sharply left. As you approach the Turtlehead Summit the area opens up completely. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 They’re about a 40 min drive from the Highlands in Gorges State Park. You’ll come to a T junction in a little less than 0.3 mile. Posted by San Juan Hiker. Another fabulous hike at South Turtleback! 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. If it’s warm out you will have to contend with people sliding down the rock into the pool at the base. 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. It resembles more of an ATV track than a trail at this point. Turtleback Falls NC is an amazing and popular sliding rock and swimming hole, located deep inside Pisgah National Forest, near Sapphire, NC. The right fork will lead you to the top of Rainbow Falls as is follows this section of the Horsepasture River. This hike is beautiful at all times of year, but it is especially rewarding in the fall for colored foliage. 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. Photo by Marin. It leads to other trails that continue down to the South Trailhead along Deer Harbor Rd. At 0.99 mile from the trailhead, a brown carsonite steak marks the side trail on the left for Stairway Falls. 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. then head north on Orcas Rd (aka Horseshoe Highway.) 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. 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. Sightings of golden eagles, turkey vultures, and many other birds are likely. Great trails and another fantastic vista. Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Rosman. The top of Rainbow Falls isn’t one of them. See more ideas about Turtleback falls, North carolina travel, Lake lure. Reviewed July 14, 2020 A small group of friends hiked the Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls trail. On a warm day, this place will be packed. Once the river slides down Turtleback Falls into the collection pool it makes a hard right and races to Rainbow Falls. Turtle) Falls is an open rockface waterfall that can also be enjoyed as a slip-n-slide in summer months. (Bring a map and try to identify some.) Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands, Day Hiking the San Juans and Gulf Islands. Our rule used to be, you can only be carried on the uphill portions of the return hike. Turtleback Falls is a great picnic spot for fall color in October. Return to the North Trail and continue on uphill. 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. 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. It was once a popular natural slide (also known as Bust Your Butt), but it's on private property. Turn right on the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. I did a lot of carrying of my then 4 year old, on the way back. One one more to go on this hike, Drift Falls. The falls are very close together. The hike is rated strenuous, not due to the length, but due to the hilly nature of the trail itself. Oct 29, 2016 - Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. Our next stop, ... Fire Creek Falls – Great place to hike, have a picnic and even swim. 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. (That's an alternative route to this point, but one that is longer and has more elevation gain. So stay away! This trail was constructed with great sensitivity, and it winds carefully around mossy boulders and tree trunks. Cross the creek and hike another 0.45 mile to Rainbow Falls on the left. Google map shows the trailhead location but not the trails. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. At first it's gently uphill. Turtleback Mountain Preserve: Turtlehead Summit, Check the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau travel advisory for the latest COVID updates. Take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island (reservations recommended!) This popular trail is jointly maintained by Gorges State Park and the Pisgah Ranger District. The roar of the river grows louder before fading completely as you dip into a side cove. If you venture out onto any of these vantages use caution. Several access points along the river provide views of Turtleback Falls as it comes in from the right. Hike to Rainbow first by starting on the obvious trail at the kiosks on the south end of the parking area. Along the way, enjoy an exuberant display … The trail accesses the Horse Pasture River and follows it upstream. Use caution. 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. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest. The old roadbed continues downhill as well, and its surface has also been graveled. Since you have to park in Gorges, I list them in the Gorges Section. If you don't relish road walks, no worries. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. 100 yards past the falls and hike a steep path to the right. Taken as a whole this ranks as my top waterfall hike in the area. Despite the steeper segments the hike remains kid friendly. A plastic privy is available, but there is no regular water source. The river between falls tranquil and as long as the rock is dry you can venture out. The eroded sections and the steep ascent coming to Rainbow Falls may challenge younger children. The signed North Trail starts out from the parking area. Again, there’s a lot to see and this helps keep their mind off how much their legs hurt. Bring a sandwich from Rose’s to go with the amazing view and it’s the perfect lunch spot. I’m so thankful this land is protected and happily donated to the Trust to help keep it maintained. Located on Horsepasture River within Gorges State Park, Turtleback (aka. 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. This will lead you to the next stop, Turtleback Falls. Rainbow Falls - just below Turtleback Falls on this hike. 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. Drift Falls Update: Hike another 1/2 mile upstream to reach the Drift Falls area with a few campsites along the river. From the lower observation area, backtrack to the split in the Rainbow Falls Trail and take the upper branch. 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.. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. There are plenty of places you can safely get in the river. In the distance, Vancouver Island and the Olympic mountains will be visible. It was very shaded and the inclines weren't strenuous. Seattle, WA 98104. Thank you!! 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. ), 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.). The marked trail ends at Rainbow Falls, however hikers can continue upstream about 1/4 mile to Turtleback Falls. Turtleback Falls is the fourth waterfall of five waterfalls along this section of the Horsepasture River. and Turtleback Falls. The falls is usually accessed by a hike starting in Gorges State Park which passes through Pisgah National Forest property. The remainder of my top 10 list can be found here. 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. More information Turtleback Falls ~ 1.5m hike to Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park with another 1/4m to Turtleback and swimming. Rainier will be visible in the far distance. Trail approaching Turtlehead Summit. Either shot will do. May 29, 2019 - Explore David Freeze's board "gorges state park near asheville" on Pinterest. Turtleback Falls is a short distance upstream from Rainbow Falls. If you venture further upstream you can get a straight on view of the falls. I absolutely loved getting to slide down the waterfall at Turtleback Falls. 5/5. However, we are middle aged and do some exercising. People slide down these falls and swim in the swimming hole beneath them, but the currents can be extremely strong so, again, be cautious. The worst of the outbound hike is over. Along the way, enjoy an exuberant display of mosses and, in season, wildflowers. Turtleback Falls is another quarter mile up the trail from Rainbow Falls. 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 wide trail begins just past the gate. Again, there’s a lot to see and this helps keep their mind off how much their legs hurt. Rainbow Falls is just over 1.5 miles in, and Turtleback Falls is less than half a mile beyond that. While Turtleback Falls is inside the Pisgah National Forest, the trailhead to it begins at Gorges State Park. Hiking through the Pisgah National Forest on a 2 mile hike, you come to Rainbow Falls (not shown) & Turtleback Falls. Turtleback Falls is a great picnic spot for fall color in October. Enjoy a great view across to Mt. Posted by Sybrina. Turtleback Falls in Pisgah National Forest is accessed by a hike from Gorges State Park in North Carolina. 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. While the San Juans and nearby islands have a wealth of outstanding viewpoints, many hikers proclaim Turtlehead to be the best of them all. Wildflowers will appear later in the season. The downstream views don’t provide a striaght on view of the Falls. The trail is primarily used for hiking, and camping and is accessible year-round. It was once a popular natural slide (also known as Bust Your Butt), but it's on private property. See more ideas about gorges state park, turtleback falls, pisgah national forest. The hike from Rainbow to Turtleback Falls is less than 0.15 of a mile so barely enough time to get bored and complain. This short (0.05-mile) trail leads to the Waldron Overlook, a viewpoint located on the edge of a sheer cliff (be careful!) You'll notice the trail getting a bit steeper before it crosses a small stream. There is room for about 15 cars. A number of islands are visible from here. The rocks are slippery and current swift. The strength of the current can be misleading. The hike curves around upper Turtleback, catching views of the unique waterfall upriver. Things get much better farther along. The falls combine a slide and short free fall into a 20-foot drop and a deep splash pool. In the distance, Vancouver Island and the Olympic mountains will be visible. 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. Hike by WTA Correspondents: The worst of the outbound hike is over. All are accessed from the same parking area in Gorges State park even though the waterfalls themselves are in Pisgah. If backpacking overnight follow the river approx. More dramatically, a golden eagle may soar by. The falls is usually accessed by a hike starting in Gorges State Park which passes through Pisgah National Forest property. Alan Gibbs. Each successive waterfall on the hike will begin at its predecessor so this will be a little different than my other entries. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Drift Falls Update: Hike another 1/2 mile upstream to reach the Drift Falls area with a few campsites along the river. Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Brevard. Continue on the trail for 0.16 mile to Turtleback Falls on the left. This used to come into play frequently. Just over 1.5 miles from your trailhead, come to another signed side trail. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Angela said: I am looking to hike the Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. It offers an optional break from the road, and leads 0.15 miles to the North Valley Overlook. 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