Gorges State Park- 5 waterfalls; the hike.

We are the HFF Trail Trekkers: We a’gonna get our step-counters a’workin’ !!
Darlene will visit 5 waterfalls in Gorges St Pk. Up to 12 ppl are welcome to join us.
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: 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);
GPS destination: Gorges State Park Visitor Center
Return Not earlier than: 3PM
Carpool contributions appreciated. $6.00 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 1 driver(s)
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.
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 Darlene tend to have challenging surprises. Geriatrics are asked to bring their own BP cuffs.
Rainbow Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfall settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 150-ft. tall waterfall is impressive, especially after rainy weather that swells 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! Located in the Pisgah National Forest, adjacent to Gorges State Park, Rainbow Falls is just one of a series of cascades and waterfalls on a two-mile stretch of the river.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. 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)