About Turtleback Falls
Turtleback Falls is a curved slab of smooth rock on the Horsepasture River in Gorges State Park, North Carolina, with a drop of about 20 feet into a pool. It is a short way past Rainbow Falls on the same trail, so most people see both on one hike. It is a state park feature far from the Smokies, so Great Smoky Mountains National Park rules and parking tags do not apply.
The hike
The hike starts at the Grassy Ridge Access and Visitor Center at 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire. Rainbow Falls is about 1.5 miles along the trail, and Turtleback lies roughly another quarter to half mile upriver, so plan on about 2 miles each way. The trail is rocky and drops steeply toward the river; the climb back is the hard part. Allow three to four hours round trip with time at the falls.
At the falls
The water sheets across the curved rock in a wide arc. People slide and swim here in summer, and the pool is popular. The Horsepasture River is swift and the rocks are slick, and people have been seriously hurt and killed in these waters. Treat any swimming as a risk, and never go near the top of a drop. Follow the park's posted rules, and read the signs at the trailhead.
Getting there
From Gatlinburg, plan on about three hours via Cherokee and Cashiers. Park hours apply because the gate is locked at closing time. See the state park page for current hours and closures. The visitor center phone is 828-556-6056.
When to go
- Summer: Popular for wading; arrive early.
- Spring: Higher water, more force and less safe swimming.
- Fall: Good color along the gorge.
- Winter: Cold and quiet; steps and rock can ice.
Rainbow Falls and Hidden Falls are on the same trail, and Whitewater Falls is a short drive.
Good to know
- How tall is Turtleback Falls?
- Turtleback Falls drops about 20 feet.
- How far is the hike to Turtleback Falls?
- It is about 1.9 miles each way, rated moderate.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
