This fairly short out and back hike in Gorges State Park is a must visit trail. Featuring three main waterfalls and various other cascades located along the steep and rocky Horsepasture River near Lake Toxaway.
The trail is heavily traveled and well marked. After descending through the forest towards the river, the first major waterfall you will see is Rainbow Falls. You might even feel the mist before you round the corner to see the falls, depending on the water levels. True to its name, you will often see a rainbow around the falls or over the trail depending on the time of day you visit.
Continue up the trail to visit Turtle Back Falls. This waterfall is much smaller but still impressive, with a large perfectly circular hole visible on the upper rock surface during lower water. If you continue to follow the trail a short distance further up and around Turtle Back Falls, you can see Staircase Falls, which is located on private property beyond the end of the trail.
It is recommended that you DO NOT SWIM in or above ANY of these falls and DO NOT APPROACH the edge of the falls. People have died here.
Turtle Back Falls 35.08974463200992, -82.96277031726825
Staircase Falls 35.09189851515841, -82.96595950101758
This trail is rated MODERATE. It is well marked and easy to follow. Do not go on to the marked private property at the end of the trail. You can view the 3rd waterfall from the end of the trail. DO NOT swim in or around the falls, you might die.