Turtleback Falls

Turtleback Falls is a unique 20-foot waterfall in the Gorges State Park area where the Horsepasture River slides over a massive dome-shaped rock that resembles a turtle's shell. The smooth, curved granite surface channels the water into a broad slide that spills into a large swimming hole below. This distinctive shape makes Turtleback one of the most recognizable and beloved natural water slides in the Appalachians.

The trail from Gorges State Park follows the Horsepasture River downstream through a rich forest of hemlock, rhododendron, and hardwoods. The 1.5-mile hike to Rainbow Falls continues another quarter mile downstream to reach Turtleback. The trail is well-maintained but includes some rocky and root-covered sections that can be slippery.

Summer is the prime season for sliding down the falls into the cool pool below, though extreme caution is necessary as the rock is slippery and injuries have occurred. The swimming hole is deep and cold even in summer. Spring offers the best water flow for photography. Visit midweek to avoid summer crowds.