NC BACKCOUNTRY: Gorge State Park

Gorge State Park is one of the newer State Parks when development began in Spring of 2007. Encompassing nearly 7,500 acres, Gorge State Park is the only state park west of Asheville. The state of the art visitor center had its' grand opening Oct. 12th with a moderately showing of support from the community. Future plans for the park includes additional trails and a camp ground. Gorge State Park currently offers two picnic shelters, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, equestrian trails, two primitive campgrounds, great fishing along the Toxaway River and Bearwallow Creek, boating in the Jocassee Lake, scenic views, and some spectacularly scenic waterfalls, some with easy access and some off-trail searching. Along the west border lies the Horsepasture River, a Federal Wild & Scenic River and a State Natural & Scenic River. Gorge State Park receives an excess of 80+ inches per year that feeds the streams for cascading waterfalls. To get to Gorge State Park from Charlotte, NC. take I-85 to NC 74W to US 26 connect onto NC 64W then finally NC 281. The drive is about 2 hours and 45 minutes but well worth the trip.

Speaking of a well worth trip, I invited my Dad to go on an extended weekend backpacking trip to Gorge State Park for some primitive camping. I made the reservations online at www.reserveamerica.com. Playing hooky from work, I left Charlotte early friday, around 7:30 am, for the 3 hour drive to Sapphire, NC. I arrived at the trailhead around 10:30, two hours earlier than the meeting time. So eager to get started, I headed down the .75 mile trail with my backpack. Once you see the turkey fetch blanketing the forest floor you have arrived. The primitive campground has 8 campsites equipped with a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, lantern hook, a catfish pond, an informational kiosk, and a privy. (Warning: no water). After dropping my pack and going around stealing firewood from all the other empty campsites, Bailey and I headed back up the trail to meet dad at our meeting time, 12:30 pm. I was pleasantly surprised to see him gathering his gear in the parking lot after just hiking out. Usually, he's a few hours late. Helping dad carry some gear back down the trail, smelling the galax along the trail. We then settle in for a weekend of camping and fishing. Two young couples moved in two sites down. I was hoping we would have the campground all to our selves. The darkness of the night came quick. After a few shots of Wild Turkey and staring into the campfire for a few hours it's time for bed. Crisp mountain air, 50' chill, and zero critters wrestling makes for a nice night of snoring. Bailey even got in on the act. After breakfast ( sausage from Warren Wilson College, grits, toast and sausage gravy ) we decided to hike out for some much needed water. On the way out of the park we encountered two tom turkeys running around under the protection of the state park. Back in the park and with fishing poles in hand we branch off our usual trail toward the scenic Horsepasture River. This river reminds me of Santeelah River but double the volume of water. This 4 mile scenic river provides a lot of pools for fly-fishing. We headed upstream toward the Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. Back at our campsite, empty-handed, it's time for a relaxing nap in my ENO hammock with Bailey by my side. This hammock is sooo comfortable. After an afternoon nap I watched dad catch a few catfish out of the pond. All 8 campsites are full now. After more Wild Turkey, a bigger fire, and a night of snoring comes Sunday morning. Packed up and back in the parking lot we say our goodbyes. I still have some hiking in me so off to Bearwallow Falls. Next, nine miles down the road and into Pisgah National Forest, another hike up to Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of Mississippi. Ending a perfect weekend outdoors.

Only two more state parks left to complete my 2012 goal: Chimney Rock State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park.

WNC Parks: 13 Miles: 9 miles Turkeys: 2