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Upcoming Hike on Tuesday, April 9:
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls Trail
Gorges State Park

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On April 9, Meg and Jerry Holt will introduce Holy Hikers to NC Gorges State Park. They will lead us on a trail that travels along the Horsepasture River before reaching Rainbow Falls. This 3.4-mile trail is rated moderate (not easy). It will be one of our more challenging hikes with an elevation gain of around 700 feet.

 

We will not hike the entire trail to Turtleback Falls. Instead we will explore Rainbow Falls then return to a quiet location for lunch and liturgy. This will allow us a nice break before we embark on the last mile+ of the trail, all of which is uphill.

Many are familiar with the impact of the Great Flood of 1916 on Henderson County. That same flood breached the Lake Toxaway Dam, destroyed communities downstream, and caused a massive granite debris field. Duke Power bought the impacted land then sold it to the state in 1999 to allow for the creation of Gorges State Park. New trails are being designed every year, and they will be great venues for future Holy Hikes. The park is part of a temperate rain forest and home to mosses that usually thrive in the tropics! That said, make sure to pack rain gear, use hiking poles, and wear boots/shoes with good tread. Pack water and lunch or a snack. Dogs are allowed if leashed. 

 

The trailhead address is Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Trailhead, Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747. Please plan to meet at the trailhead at 10:00am. The trailhead is about 43 miles from St. John in the Wilderness (see directions below).  If you wish to convoy from the church, meet at the Parish Hall parking lot no later than 8:40am. 

Driving Directions

  • Head north on NC-225 (Greenville Highway) towards downtown Hendersonville.

  • At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Erkwood Dr.

  • In 1.4 miles, turn left onto Kanuga Road. (Johnson Family Farm will be on your left.)

  • Follow Kanuga Rd. for 2.9 miles until it turns into Crab Creed Rd. Continue straight for another 10 miles.

  • Turn left onto Everett Rd. 

  • In 3.2 miles, turn left onto Old Hendersonville Highway.

  • In 2.6 miles, turn left onto N Broad Street.

  • In about a half mile, take a slight right onto N Caldwell Street. 

  • Stay on Caldwell for just over a mile, then turn right onto US-64 W.

  • Continue on US-64 W for 17.6 miles.

  • Turn left onto NC-281/Whitewater Road.

  • In 0.9 miles, turn left onto Grassy Ridge Road. 

  • The trailhead will be on your right in 1.7 miles. 

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