Gorges State Park Celebrates the ‘Year of the Trail’

Originally published by the Transylvania Times on January 16, 2023. Written by FOG board member, Susan Banta. View the original article here.

The staff at Gorges State Park wishes everyone a happy and healthy new year as we join to celebrate 2023 as “The Year of the Trail.”

The North Carolina Legislature designated 2023 as North Carolina Year of the Trail, which is a statewide campaign inviting all North Carolinians to get outside onto the trails, greenways and blueways that stretch across the state and showcase diverse landscapes.

Gorges State Park supports these goals as we strive to inspire people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to try trails, promote safe and responsible use of the trails and advance diversity and inclusion on the trails.

“Gorges offers 56 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of biking trails and 12 miles of horseback trails,” said Ranger Melanie Briley. “In addition to fishing and hiking, we also have our campground which opened in the fall which allows folks to spend more time at the park experiencing the adventure of the trails, waterfalls, etc., as well as what this area has to offer.”

Our staff works with school groups and youth organizations that bring children or groups to the park to combine their environmental learning with first-hand experience on trails as well as programs in the classroom at the park.

Events and programs throughout the year provide opportunities to learn about trees, waterfalls, collecting data to preserve natural resources, animals, ecosystems and more.

Gorges State Park, known for its plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges and sheer-rock precipices, is located in the Blue Ridge Escarpment spanning more than an estimated 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest and hosts extraordinary biodiversity.

Additional features include the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee and a portion of the 70-mile Foothills Trail.

“The Year of the Trail” aligns with the mission of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation to inspire all its and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.

We invite you to make a resolution to visit Gorges State Park in 2023 to see what it offers.

If you have not been here before or haven’t visited previously, we hope you will participate in one of the many free programs offered throughout the year.