Turtleback Falls
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Parks [Edit]
Transylvania CountySapphire, NC 28774
+44 0000 0000
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
2 reviews for Turtleback Falls
One of my favorite sliding rocks in NC. It used to be a locals-only hidden spot. Now it is part of Gorges National Park, and as a result has become a well-known hiking destination.
When I originally visited, in 1990, you parked on the side of the road, walked 10 minutes down an unmarked path, and you were there. If you walked around it and continued following the path downhill, you came upon the much larger, spectacular (but un-slideable) Rainbow Falls.
Now, things are different. The Park Service, in their infinite wisdom, have built a parking lot on the downstream side of Rainbow Falls--way downstream.
To get to Turtleback, you now have to approach from the bottom, which entails an hour and a half long hike that takes you past Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls has a nice swimming hole at the bottom of it. Contrary to the other reviewer's opinion, when I was just there (middle of August 09) the water was not too cold, just refreshing after the hot and tiring hike.
As far as the hike goes, they claim it is 1.5 miles each way, but it is not an easy hike. While it's not very difficult, either, if you are not in good shape (and not wearing hiking boots) you will be worn out at the end of the day from all the hiking and possibly have some blisters, like I did.
I suggest wearing a backpack and bringing lunch, in addition to a dry pair of shorts and towel. Definitely pack something to drink as well. Then take your time on the hike and enjoy the scenery.
Make sure to leave no later than 1pm so you can enjoy the whole afternoon there. I made the mistake of trying to arrive a 3pm when i had to be back to our cabin by 7. I ended up with about 40 minutes to spend swimming between the two falls.
Side note: While I don't know the rules about it, there are three or four great campsites along the trail, most with fire pits, located three-quarters of the way to the first falls. Next time I go, I'd like to spend a night there burning a campfire, wake up, and spend the day swimming around the falls.
If you are in the area, you have to check it out. Great for couples, families (as long as the kids like to hike), and anyone else (single guys like myself included).
There are no fees involved. One of the best free afternoons you can spend around Sapphire.
Turtleback Falls was always so much fun. Everything in this area is spectacular. It is a giant falls shaped like a turtle's back and you can slide off of it! The rock surface is so smooth and when you slide off the turtle's back you fall 10-15 feet into freezing cold water. There is a hole on turtle back that you can slide into and lean your head back to find an air pocket. You can also swim behind the waterfall and just chill. On the opposite side of the catch pool (natural), you find a giant rock that you can jump off of. I'd say it's roughly 15-20 feet so you may want to wear shoes to assuage the impact on your feet.
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