Turtleback Falls

From US 64 near Lake Toxaway, drive south on NC 281 for 0.9 miles and turn left into Gorges State Park. Drive 0.95 miles to the stop sign at the visitor center, turn left, and drive 0.8 miles to the Grassy Ridge parking area. Start at the kiosks at the far end of the parking area. At 0.3 miles turn right on the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail. After an easy creek crossing the trail leaves the state park and enters Pisgah National Forest. Pass the side trail to Stairway Falls, cross a larger creek (rock-hop or shallow wade), and follow the Horsepasture River, passing side paths to Hidden Falls. Climb a little over 0.1 miles to the open view of Rainbow Falls at a split-rail fence, take the right fork past the top of Rainbow Falls, and continue about 400 feet to a point directly in front of Turtleback Falls. A short side path leads to a large rock with an open view.