Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Transylvania County lies a natural wonder unlike any other in the United States – Gorges State Park, the only American rainforest east of the Mississippi.
This extraordinary ecosystem, spanning over 8,000 acres, is classified as a temperate rainforest since it receives an average of over 200cm (78.74 inches) of rain each year, according to InsightsIAS.
The moisture, originating from the Gulf of Mexico, is funneled into the park as it collides with the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a unique and enchanting environment that remains warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
The park is distinguished by its diverse terrain, including 26 waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and the northern boundary of Lake Jocassee. It’s part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and includes a section of the 70-mile Foothills Trail, offering various recreational activities like backpacking and horseback riding.
The park’s most popular feature is Rainbow Falls, known for its permanent rainbow effect due to sunlight interacting with mist.
The park’s ecosystem supports rare and endemic species, including the Oconee bells, filmy ferns, and Carolina star-moss, as well as endangered wildlife like the green salamander and Swainson’s warbler.
Gorges State Park is a significant natural area, showcasing a rare temperate rainforest environment with unique wildlife and plant species, making it a valuable and intriguing destination for nature lovers and conservationists.
