Western North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. The Blue Ridge Mountains are known as the “Land of the Waterfalls,” with hundreds of falls within its borders. From large, impressive waterfalls to more minor, more relaxing falls with swimming holes, they span the whole spectrum and offer an excellent opportunity to hike, relax, and take some fantastic photos.
Turtleback Falls, also known as Umbrella Falls, is located in the Pisgah National Forest and is just a moderate hike (about 3.5 miles round-trip) away from Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park. Not only are the massive flat-faced rocks and rushing water of Turtleback Falls beautiful, but it’s also one of the area’s most famous natural swimming holes.
Those ready for adventure can use a rope to climb up to the top of the falls and take a thrilling ride down the curved face of the rocks that drop twenty feet into the pool below. Only experienced swimmers should attempt this, though, as the water can move very swiftly, and the pool at the bottom is deep.
Be sure to also exercise caution when climbing the rocks since they can get slippery, and do not slide when the water is high because you can be swept down the river by the current. All along the sides of the falls are plenty of flat-faced rocks for sunbathing and enjoying views of the falls. So, take plenty of water and snacks and make an afternoon of it by having a relaxing waterside picnic. Remember that the restrooms are about two miles away at the Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park.
