Upper Bearwallow Falls (via Picnic Area)

Gorges State Park is a rugged, scenic park in western North Carolina near Lake Toxaway, known for its dramatic terrain shaped by the headwaters of the Toxaway River. The park features steep gorges, sheer rock walls, dense hardwood forests, and some of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the eastern United States. Elevations range from about 2,000 to over 4,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and cooler mountain conditions. Visitors come for hiking, backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with an extensive trail system that connects waterfalls, river corridors, and remote backcountry campsites.

Upper Bearwallow Falls is one of the park’s more accessible and family-friendly waterfalls, reached from the Bearwallow and White Pines Picnic Area. A short but moderately steep trail descends through forest to a wooden overlook that provides a clear view of the falls as Bearwallow Creek drops over a rock ledge into the gorge below. While there is no base access, the overlook offers a safe and scenic vantage point, especially after rainfall when the falls are most impressive. Its easy access makes Upper Bearwallow Falls a popular stop for visitors exploring the northern section of Gorges State Park.