• Excursions

    Cashiers ExcursionsSometimes you want to take a trip and see something nearby. Here are some ideas.

  • Fishing

    Cashiers FishingYou'll find there are plenty of spots to go fishing in and around Cashiers.

  • Hiking

    Cashiers HikingLike to hike? Or just a walk in the woods? Then you're in luck!

  • Mountain Biking

    Cashiers Mountain BikingSome of the best mountain biking in the country is within an hour's drive of Cashiers.

  • Swimming

    Cashiers SwimmingThere are many natural swimming holes for cooling off in the summer!

  • Waterfalls

    Cashiers WaterfallsThe waterfalls around Cashiers range from breathtaking to peaceful to exciting to mammoth.

Rainbow Falls is one of the most dramatic falls in the Cashiers area. Silver Run Falls While it certainly isn't easy to reach, Bull Pen slices right underneath a road bridge. Middle Glen Falls during a rain. Lower Glen Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the most dramatic falls in the Cashiers area. The 200' fall is located on the Horsepasture River near Sapphire. Get more information about Rainbow Falls »
Silver Run Falls is located just a short hike off of Hwy. 107 south of Cashiers. The 35' waterfall keeps a rather large plunge pool full of water for swimming. Get directions to Silver Run Falls »
While it certainly isn't easy to reach, Bull Pen slices right underneath a road bridge. It's a bit of a drive, but you won't have to go far once you park. More information on Bull Pen and directions »
Upper Glen Falls during a rain. Hiking down from Highlands, the second tier of Glen Falls cascades quite a way. Read more about Glen Falls »
Middle Glen Falls looks like a dream in this time-lapse shot. Find out how to visit Glen Falls »

From the guide

Waterfalls: Turtleback Falls

Turtleback Falls

moderate

Turtleback Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the Horsepasture River near Gorges State Park in Transylvania County. The fall has a large plunge pool and is used as a swimming hole in the summer months.

The Horsepasture River can be quite a torrent, so be extremely careful.

From the Rainbow Falls trailhead in Gorges State Park, head down to the Horsepasture River.  Follow the gravel trail until it becomes a dirt as the trail crosses into Pisgah National Forest.  When you meet the river, head upstream to Turtleback.

Be extremely careful when the water level is high. The rocks around the falls, especially when you first reach the falls, can be quite slippery.

This fall is not as dramatic as Rainbow Falls downstream, but it has its own unique qualities, such as the immediate 90-degree turn the river makes after the fall into the pool.

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