Gorges State Park is an immense state park in Transylvania County, spanning nearly 8,000 acres near the Jocassee Gorges. The park is one of North Carolina's newest-developed state parks, purchased in 1999 by the state from the Duke Energy Corporation for environmental protection of the gorges' sensitive second-growth forest habitat. Year-round recreation opportunities are available for visitors, including opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the park's many nature trails. At the South Carolina border, the manmade Lake Jocassee reservoir serves as a prime area for trout and bass fishing. Museum-quality exhibits are offered at the park's visitor center, while opportunities for primitive camping are available at several sites throughout the park. Nearby in bordering Pisgah National Forest, connector trails provide access to landmarks such as Rainbow and Turtleback Falls.

976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC 28774, Phone: 828-966-9099

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