area around the fireplace for relaxation and enjoying the views, and a reception/retail area for visitors to gather additional information. Gorges State Park is accessible from two entry points: 1) Grassy Ridge Access off U.S. N.C. 281 South in Sapphire and 2) Frozen Creek Access Area off Frozen Creek Road near Rosman. The Grassy Ridge Access offers visitors picnicking, restroom facilities, reserve table shelters, hiking to Upper Bearwallow Falls and Bearwallow Valley Overlook, primitive hike-in camping at a pond, and opportunities to drive through the park on a paved loop road to enjoy scenic views of the Jocassee Gorges. At Frozen Creek, visitors can also enjoy picnicking, primitive hike-in camping and long distance trails to Lake Jocassee and South Carolina gamelands. This area also welcomes a variety of uses: horseback riding, mountain biking and traditional foot travel. Visitors must show proof of a negative equine infectious anemia test when visiting state parks with their horses. When camping in the park, visitors must fill out the registration envelope located at the appropriate access area, or camping reservations can be made by calling 1-877-722-6762 or online at northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Other Accessible Areas The park provides access for the U.S. Forest
Service area along the Horsepasture River. The area is popular for viewing Rainbow and Turtleback waterfalls. To access this area, use the Grassy Ridge Trailhead, located 1.7 miles from the N.C. 281 South park entrance. This is the only access area for these waterfall attractions. Parking along N.C. 281 South, near the park entrance and along park roads, is strictly prohibited. The trail leading to the Horsepasture River from N.C. 281 South is also closed to hikers. The Foothills Trail was established by Duke Energy and runs for approximately 7 miles through the southern portion of the park and runs along Lake Jocassee. The trail connects Table Rock and Oconee State Parks in South Carolina, a 76-mile stretch. One of its access points is from Gorges State Park via the 5-mile Canebrake Trail at the Frozen Creek Access Area. Inexperienced hikers should not tackle the more remote trails. The park is open daily, with the visitor center open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day, and longer during peak seasons. Park Hours • 8 a.m.-6 p.m., November-February • 8 a.m.-8 p.m., September, October For more information, call (828) 966-9099 or go to ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/gorg/main.php Autumn in Transylvania County, 2013
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