Turtleback Falls is a popular place for swimming and people frequently slide over the falls into the Chug Hole during low water; however, the currents can be dangerous in higher flows and people have drowned at Turtleback, or have been swept downriver and over 125' Rainbow Falls. You'll get soaked, too. Make note of it, so that on the way back you can visit if you'd like. Turtleback Falls is about 0.2 miles up the trail from Rainbow Falls. Continue up the main path to reach Turtleback Falls. This is a popular sliding, swimming, and jumping spot. If you walk/scramble another ¼ mile or so up the trail, you’ll reach Turtleback 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. More energetic hikers can continue down the half-mile spur trail that drops 600 feet in elevation to the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail. Park there. 59.5km Great Smoky Mountains National Park National Park in United States. About 1/2 mile past the campsite, the trail curves right, into an open area created by mist from the raging cascade. Gorges State Park is set in the midst of plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and a high concentration of rare species, and exploration of this unique environment often begins at the expansive visitor center with its museum-quality exhibits, augmented by picnic grounds and shelters. The trail will begin a more significant climb before long and that's when you know you're getting close to Rainbow Falls. One spot climbs up over a rock outcrop which gives you a neat view down on the river from above. The Herd is a tightly knit family of Turtleback Owners. To experience these breathtaking falls up-close-and-personal, take the paved ¼ mile walkway to the upper overlook. The trail descends a bit more steeply to another, larger creek crossing. That's where you get your first view of the falls, from behind a fence along the trail. What results is a stunningly beautiful micro-ecosystem and one of nature’s most impressive and refreshing natural showers. 5. Just past the popular North Carolina waterfall, Rainbow Falls, is the unique Turtleback Falls that is a popular waterslide and swimming hole.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 … That's the best place to view the falls from. The trail climbs steeply as it winds up and around toward the top of Rainbow Falls. Fees are charged for day use and for annual passes. ACCESS: The primary access point is the Grassy Ridge access off of NC Highway 281 S. This access point takes you to the Gorges State Park Visitor Center and trail head for Rainbow Falls/Turtleback Falls. It's the same old road bed you were on before anyhow. Wildcat Falls The river between the 2 waterfalls is a very pretty area. top of Rainbow Falls. This frontal view of the falls is the best place to see the rainbows in the mist that give the falls its name. Outdoor Adventures: Turtleback Falls. Been all over Turtleback for the last two years. Located behind Living Water Ministry along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this beautiful, quaint waterfall is accessed with an easy hike from Highway 215. This is the most popular swimming hole. A big pool at the base makes a nice but cold swim hole and some people jump off the falls, though this is very dangerous. In the distance, Vancouver Island and the Olympic mountains will be visible. A lower overlook is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. Turtleback Falls NC is an amazing and popular sliding rock and swimming hole, located deep inside Pisgah National Forest, near Sapphire, NC. It's eroded in places, with steep side slopes eating into the trail surface. It leads gently uphill at first, but very soon begins descending. Turtleback Falls, also called Umbrella Falls, is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Brevard. It's a little over a mile straight on the main road to the parking area for the Rainbow Falls trail. Turtleback Falls is uniquely shaped, offering the ability to climb up to the top, and then sliding back down. It spreads out and drops into a deep pool with a huge boulder overlooking it opposite the falls. leather smartphone holsters designed to fit your iPhone, Blackberry, Razor, Pearl, Samsung, LG, flip phones, HTC, Google Nexus cell phones or Android. Use caution. You must try their dessert, the caramel ginger carrot cake!! I do not recommend getting in the Horsepasture River at all. The opening is thought to be kept open naturally by the constant spray mist and wind from the falls. Rainbow Falls is simply magical. The old roadbed continues downhill as well, and its surface has also been graveled. Start the hike on the trail leading away from the sign boards. The trail continues a pretty steady climb upwards from here to Turtleback, and contains lots of stairs. The rocks are slick, so people slide down the face of the falls. From the trailhead in the parking lot behind the campground entrance, the trail descends .9 mile to the falls through a … Admission Fees. Delivery & Pickup Options - 24 reviews of The Turtleback Tap & Grill "Hubby ordered the Turtleback burger and I ordered The Korean bowl!! Turtleback Trailers are overland trailers packed with home amenities, tent materials, and storage for camping supplies. Hikers should allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the entire hike. Turtleback Falls is a popular tourist destination in the Nantahala National Forest. Hike to Rainbow first by starting on the obvious trail at the kiosks on the south end of the parking area. Turtleback Falls is another quarter mile up the trail from Rainbow Falls. Turtleback Falls is about a quarter-mile above Rainbow Falls, a 125-foot cascade, where many people have lost their lives after either falling or jumping in, including two people in 2018. The falls itself is only about 15 feet tall, but because of its accessibility and deep pools, many people are able to climb a rope and slide off the falls into the pool below. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, adjacent to Gorges State Park, Rainbow Falls is just one of a … The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. The falls is located on the Horsepasture River in the Pisgah National Forest. You’ll come to a T junction in a little less than 0.3 mile. And it’s deep enough to dive. Turn right on the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. Shop for Cellphone Case, Holsters, Tablet bags, laptop sleeves and much more. That's the best place to view the falls from. The Official Turtleback Case Store. The trail goes through the mist zone and goes back into the forest on the other side of the opening. Recently. 6. This falls is named for its shape, sort of like the domed shell of a turtle. Home  ›  Things to See & Do  ›  Outdoors  ›  Swimming Holes  ›  Turtleback Falls. Location. At times, the trail is very close to the river; at other times, it climbs uphill a bit further away. All three entered the top of the falls at the same place – an open, inviting looking section with large rocks – before falling to their deaths, said Dave Casey, Pisgah District Ranger. But you've seen what's just downstream, and people have been swept from here all the way over the brink of Rainbow Falls. Posted on March 19, 2019 February 7, 2020. Plummeting from the airy heights of the Great Range in the Adirondack Mountains, Cascade Brook has etched away at the heart of the High Peaks to form a miniature box canyon so narrow that it rarely sees complete sun. Choose your actions wisely. The strong sun and constant mist make all the mud, grass, and rocks all get covered by an impossibly slippery slime. This is a great place to hike. The trail comes out at a point near the top of the falls. The roar of the river grows louder before fading completely as you dip into a side cove. As two seniors we try to get some good exercise a couple times a week. The falls combine a slide and short free fall into a 20-foot drop and a deep splash pool. The scenic 2.5-mile loop trail to Crabtree Falls is moderate to strenuous with a steep incline and rocky terrain. From Cashiers, NC: Drive south on NC 107 for 9.3 miles. Go. Just past this crossing, the trail passes off of Gorges State Park property and onto National Forest property. To access the Turtleback, visitors access Gorges State Park off of NC Hwy 281 and park near the trailhead for Rainbow Falls. Justin P. / AllTrails. Turtle) Falls is an open rockface waterfall that can also be enjoyed as a slip-n-slide in summer months. Contact directly for most current information. During floods, the wind coming up the slope here is almost enough to knock you off your feet! 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. Shop; Connect with the Herd. They're also notoriously difficult to photograph, since when the sun is shining, the light is not always the best - and the mist will be constantly trying to soak your lens and ruin your camera. Turtleback Falls is a popular sliding, swimming, and jumping spot. Fantastic atmosphere - Finally a restaurant close to home!! The trail begins following the river uphill on the right side, where it gets a bit rougher and steeper. One of my most favorite outdoor destinations within driving distance of Furman is Turtleback Falls, also known as Umbrella Falls. You’ll cross a … Turtleback Falls Located on Horsepasture River within Gorges State Park, Turtleback (aka. Another path splits left just before the trail goes into the forest. Site Credits. This 150-ft. tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells the Horsepasture River. The marked trail ends here, but you continue north about .25 miles to Turtleback Falls. The trail continues safely upstream, passing some nice churning cascades, and reaches Turtleback Falls in about 0.2 miles. Some people use the falls for sliding, and the pool for swimming. There are several cascades along this stretch of river, interspersed by deep pools - but nothing like what lies just upstream. On a warm day, this place will be packed. The falls is usually accessed by a hike starting in Gorges State Park which passes through Pisgah National Forest property. Sightings of golden eagles, turkey vultures, and many other birds are likely. Follow the trail through the campsite and out the other side, which will take you to within a few feet of the river. We were very pleased with the service and the food was served on point-and hot. They're primarily visible in the morning, when the sun is low. 101.1km Amicalola Falls State Park State/Provincial Park in Georgia US. At this point you're near the river. Follow the marked path upstream to Rainbow Falls, which is approx 1.5 miles in length (uphill in many areas). 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. One disadvantage is that unlike the state park, you are not to leave the established trails nor can one collect mushrooms, berries and nuts on this large property. The trail winds downhill through a ridge-top forest and intersects an old roadbed just after a hairpin turn. Located in Pisgah National Forest, it's accessible via a hike from Gorges State Park. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cathedral Falls. Other scramble paths lead to the rocks in front of the falls, but if you choose to go that way, be extremely careful. Recently. About. From the very beginning, you can hear the roar of the Horsepasture River in the valley far below, which you'll reach in about 1 mile. Drift Falls Update: Hike another 1/2 mile upstream to reach the Drift Falls area with a few campsites along the river. If the rocks are not wet, it's less risky to walk on them - otherwise, just stay on the little viewing platform at the edge of the woods. Courthouse Falls is a really scenic 40-foot waterfall in an amphitheater setting. HOURS: The Park is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hiking through the Pisgah National Forest on a 2 mile hike, you come to Rainbow Falls (not shown) & Turtleback Falls. 57.8km Grotto Falls Waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shortly after passing the top of Rainbow Falls, you’ll pass through an open area with access to the river above Rainbow Falls. 113.2km Knoxville Zoo Zoo Knoxville Zoo in Knoxville. Many people go out onto the rocks near the brink, and it is a neat view. Some people use the falls for sliding, and the pool for swimming. The bedrock is safe to go out on as long as it is dry and you will see several places to go out as you head up the trail towards the falls. This falls is named for its shape, sort of like the domed shell of a turtle. Once it crosses onto the National Forest - and into the Horsepasture Wild and Scenic River corridor - the trail is no longer gravel-surfaced and blazed; however, it is easy to follow. People can and have been swept all the way from Turtleback over Rainbow Falls. This little spur runs close to the base of the falls on the right side, to a neat view from beside the cliff. Located on Horsepasture River within Gorges State Park, Turtleback (aka. A little side path leads to a boulder with a great front view of the rounded falls, which ends in a deep, churning pool. From Highlands, it's just over 20 miles on US 64 East, thru Cashiers, to NC 281 South - turn right. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/turtleback-mountain-to-orcas-knob The trail itself continues safely upstream, passing some nice churning cascades, and reaches Turtleback Falls in about 0.2 mi. From downtown Brevard, it is just over 18 miles on US 64 West to the intersection with NC Hwy 281 South - turn left. From the area near the top of the Rainbow Falls, you can look up river and see Turtleback Falls coming in from the left. You'll get your feet wet on this one if the water is up. Turtleback Falls is a waterfall that inspires adventure. The trail to the right and upwards continues on up to wards Turtleback Falls. It was once a popular natural slide (also known as Bust Your Butt), but it's on private property. However, people have also died by falling from up here. All of our travel trailers are towable by Jeeps, SUVs, or trucks. 111.5km Knoxville City in Tennessee. On the open faceThe same river flows downstream to Rainbow Falls, so extreme caution should be used when enjoying the waterslide. You're never alone when you're in a Turtleback! For that reason, I recommend staying completely out of the water at the Horsepasture River. It's still called the Rainbow Falls trail (#499). The first section of trail you will hike has a gravel surface. It resembles more of an ATV track than a trail at this point. Quick Links. Landmarks nearby Turtleback Falls. It spreads out and drops into a deep pool with a huge boulder overlooking it opposite the falls. Along the way, enjoy an exuberant display of mosses and, in season, wildflowers. The trailhead is 3 miles down forest road 140 from NC-215. The Whitewater Falls Recreation Area is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Just past the creek, the trail winds up in a large, flat campsite. Photo “Turtleback Falls” by bobistraveling is licensed under CC BY 4.0, Turtleback Falls, Lake Toxaway, NC (828) 966-9099 Visit Website, Brevard.com is independent owned & operated. Go 0.9 miles South on NC 281 from US 64 to the park entrance road on the left. Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. However, the water can be kind of dirty, the currents can be strong, and 150' Rainbow Falls lies just downstream. Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Bear right to continue on the trail. From Current Location or address: But swimmers should be careful not to underestimate the strength of the current in the Horsepasture River. The best feature of Rainbow Falls is the ability for visitors to experience the falls from the front, bottom, side and top! Some narrower paths thread through the woods on the left just before the creek - that is the trail to Stairway Falls, which is not officially part of this hike. Again - choose wisely. 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. Continue on the main trail, across a small bridge and tributary, to come out at a point on the sloping rocks above the falls for a view from the top. You'll notice the trail getting a bit steeper before it crosses a small stream. Turtleback Falls and the brink of Rainbow Falls. Located less than one mile west of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Turtleback is recognized as a top quality golf course in Northwest Wisconsin Gorges State Park. But you've seen what's just downstream, and people have been swept from here over the brink of Rainbow Falls. Turtle) Falls is an open rockface waterfall that can also be enjoyed as a slip-n-slide in summer months. Turtleback is a golf course and dining facility open to the public. The walkway begins at a parking lot and is accessible to wheelchairs. Turtleback Falls. By Catherine Hayward. Turtleback Falls. Turtleback Falls is a short distance upstream from Rainbow Falls. 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. Turtleback Falls is a great picnic spot for fall color in October. A little side path leads to a boulder with a great front view of the rounded falls, which ends in a deep, churning pool. 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