As a child growing up outside a small city in southeast Idaho, I was fortunate to experience unforgettable things—like learning to snow ski in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and having Teton and Yellowstone National Parks just a short drive away.
Those years instilled a lasting sense of discovery and adventure. After leaving Idaho in my teens, I’ve sought the next evolution of my life. That journey led me through Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina—now settled near Gorges State Park in Transylvania County.
This introduction is simply to say: I’ve explored some of the most beautiful places in the U.S., and I’ve chosen this one as home. I recently published a local travel guide, Exploring Western North Carolina, and today we’re diving deeper into that guide.
Gorges State Park is located in Transylvania County, affectionately known as “The Land of Waterfalls.” I cover highlights of the park in my book, including a general overview of what to expect when visiting. In this article, I’d like to share more about an often-overlooked area of the park.
Let’s talk about the Frozen Creek Access Area. The Cane Brake Trail is a 5‑mile connector (10‑mile round‑trip) that starts at Frozen Creek Access off NC‑64 near Rosman and ends at the Foothills Trail along the Toxaway River at Lake Jocassee. This wide, gravel fire road, blazed with yellow squares, is rated moderate downhill but strenuous on the return climb, with elevation gains between 1,100 and 1,500 feet.
Some sections narrow to single-track, so hiking boots, lunch, and extra water are encouraged. Along the way, you’ll pass forested valleys, waterfalls, and creek crossings, culminating in the iconic 225‑ft suspended bridge over the Toxaway River—a spectacular prelude to Lake Jocassee’s scenic views. The trail is well-marked, dog-friendly, and traversable year-round, offering a more secluded experience than the park’s busier waterfall trails.
For those seeking an overnight adventure, primitive, non‑reservable backpacking sites sit on the lake’s northern shore at the Foothills Trail junction. First-come, first-served, they offer tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. While camping here is idyllic—with lakeside sunsets and possible wildlife sightings—hikers should pack water filtration, sturdy boots, GPS navigation, and snacks.
Most visitors treat it as a day hike or point-to-point backpacking excursion, allowing time for a lakeside lunch, bridge crossing, and the rewarding but steep ascent back to the trailhead.
by Chad Moon, Sapphire Mobile Massage sapphiremobilemassage.com
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