WINDY FALLS (VIA NC 281)

Gorges State Park is one of North Carolina’s newest state parks, and the property was recently purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation. The transaction created a 2,900-acre gameland managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and a 7,100-acre state park with plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States. This hike to the Ray Fischer campsite starts at the parking area off NC 281 and gradually descends to a designated camping area with picnic tables, pit toilets, and a small pond. From here, you can either take a short side-hike to Windy Falls or a viewing platform at Bearwallow Falls. Both have scenic overlooks, but access to Windy Falls is more difficult due to some challenging terrain and the need for excellent route finding skills. Note: Many of the park’s facilities are still being developed, so information, rules and regulations are subject to change.