Horsepasture River

The river gorge has a great variety of microenvironments relative to plant species and communities. It is most noteworthy for its mosses and ferns. A remarkable number of disjunct and endemic bryophytes and tropical ferns have been observed. The spray zone of Rainbow Falls has a wetland habitat u...Show More

The river gorge has a great variety of microenvironments relative to plant species and communities. It is most noteworthy for its mosses and ferns. A remarkable number of disjunct and endemic bryophytes and tropical ferns have been observed. The spray zone of Rainbow Falls has a wetland habitat unique to this area characterized by grasses and herbaceous species. The lower gorge is one of few known locations of the Oconee bells (Shortia glacifolia), a state endangered species. 

The Horsepasture River gorge is the narrowest, steepest, and most vertical of the gorges in the southeastern Blue Ridge escarpment. It transects an extensive stratigraphic section and several important and problematic geologic structures. The exposed rocks significantly illustrate ge...Show More

The Horsepasture River gorge is the narrowest, steepest, and most vertical of the gorges in the southeastern Blue Ridge escarpment. It transects an extensive stratigraphic section and several important and problematic geologic structures. The exposed rocks significantly illustrate geologic processes and offer excellent opportunities for geologic study. 

The river has outstanding passive recreation value associated with viewing the waterfalls and surrounding scenery. It also provides opportunities for water-oriented activities and recreational experiences unique to a river environment, such as sliding that occurs at Drift and Turtleback Falls. Th...Show More

The river has outstanding passive recreation value associated with viewing the waterfalls and surrounding scenery. It also provides opportunities for water-oriented activities and recreational experiences unique to a river environment, such as sliding that occurs at Drift and Turtleback Falls. This popular activity is unique to this area and can occur only because of the character of the river. Other attractions include swimming, and fishing, and primitive camping. 

While many rivers in North Carolina possess more spectacular waterfalls, none contain the number and variety of falls within a short segment that is found in the Horsepasture River gorge. The five major falls within a two-mile stretch vary in height (20-125 feet), type of drop (verti...Show More

While many rivers in North Carolina possess more spectacular waterfalls, none contain the number and variety of falls within a short segment that is found in the Horsepasture River gorge. The five major falls within a two-mile stretch vary in height (20-125 feet), type of drop (vertical, slide, or flume) and surrounding views. Numerous minor falls, cascades, rapids, boulders, rock outcrops, and aesthetically pleasing vegetation combine with these falls to create a unique and dynamic viewing experience.