Horsepasture River 3.22.2008

The Horsepasture River and the falls that adorn it are part of the Gorges State Park in/near Brevard, North Carolina. Seems like the general population calls this place Horsepasture Falls, so if you hear either, they’re probably referring to the same place. Although there are technically five falls in the area we were hiking, I believe I only saw three of those, but possibly four, since two are supposed to be fairly close to each other.

I digress. Getting to the river isn’t the easiest feat. Rumor has it (from the chaps I was hiking with) that the land is state owned, but the parking is supposed to be maintained or supplied by the county. Unfortunately it seemed like the locals weren’t to keen on the agreement, because all access points were closed and heavily patrolled.

But, once you find a place to start and actually get hiking, it’s quite scenic and fairly leisurely. The first trek down to the water is fairly steep, thus a little strenuous for the weekend hiker types. This is an out and back hike, only about 4 miles or so for what I’m reporting, although I understand you can go a couple miles further before hitting a service road. Regardless, this is not a loop, and not marked once you’re on the trail.