Horsepasture Wild & Scenic River

Horsepasture River is a designated National Wild & Scenic River in Transylvania County, North Carolina.  The 4.2-mile segment designated as wild and scenic runs from NC-281 down to Lake Jocassee in South Carolina.  Additionally, North Carolina designated 4.5 miles as a State Natural River.  There are numerous spectacular waterfalls on the public section of the river.  The river flows through Pisgah National Forest and Toxaway Game Land, but the only access is through Gorges State Park.

Waterfalls:

There are eight named waterfalls on Horsepasture between NC-281 and Lake Jocassee.  The waterfalls are listed below in downstream order.

Drift Falls:

Drift Falls is on private property but can be viewed from the edge of National Forest property.

Turtleback Falls:

Turtleback Falls is a popular sliding waterfall in the summer.

Rainbow Falls:

Rainbow Falls is the most spectacular waterfall on the river at more than 100 feet.

Hidden Falls:

Hidden Falls is a small waterfall with a nice swimhole.

Stairway Falls:

Stairway Falls has a number of small drops that resemble stairs in high water.

Sidepocket Falls:

Sidepocket Falls is on the river just before it enters Toxaway Game Land.

Windy Falls:

Windy Falls is a very tall waterfall in multiple sections but very difficult to reach the base.

Blog Entries:

24-Jul-2021: Tight Squeeze at Windy Falls

12-Oct-2019: Gorgeous Gorges

08-Oct-2016: Sidepocket and Paw Paw Falls

28-Jun-2015: Turtleback Falls

22-Oct-2014: Back to Brevard

09-Mar-2013: Waterfalls along Horsepasture

07-Jul-2012: Horsepasture & Thompson Waterfalls

06-Aug-2011: Big Brevard 2011

External Links:

National Wild & Scenic Rivers website: https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/horsepasture.php