Gorges State Park- 4 waterfalls; a Saunter

We are the Sloth Hiking Group: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”
the Curmudgeon’s Annual Fall Color Series
I am going to visit 4 waterfalls in Gorges St Pk. Up to 12 ppl are welcome to join me.
Optional: a 5th waterfall (Stairstep Falls) may be visited on the return..;-)
Hike Distance: 4.8 miles RT: (feels like 6 mi); Some steep parts, NO level parts. Maintained trail; 1 rockhop creek xing.
There are 5 falls on this trail: Stairstep, Hidden, Rainbow, Turtleback & Drift Falls.
Accumlative Ascent: 1076 ft (whew!)
The trail begins with a 400 ft descent and then a 400 ft ascent.
Plan on 3-4.5 hrs on the trail.
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well developed trail;
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Drive time: 45 min/ 25 miles (1-way); Apprx return time: 3PM
GPS destination: Gorges State Park Visitor Center
Apprx return time: 3 pm
Carpool contributions appreciated. $3.00 suggested
Weather Check: Sapphire, NC
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 3 driver(s) (=14)
We suggest open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash'. Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
DESCRIPTION:
https://www.romanticasheville.com/rainbow_falls.htm
Difficulty: Remember - hikes led by the Curmudgeon tend to have challenging surprises. Geriatrics are asked to bring their own BP cuffs.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: CurmudgeonHiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**