Parks & Forests Near Big Branch Cabins
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Transylvania County is a Nature Lover's Paradise.  Almost 45 % of the land is covered in National and State Forests and there are more than 200 waterfalls to visit.! 
Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Gorges State Park, Caesars Head State Park...Mountain Adventures Are Waiting For You. 

Falls

Looking Glass Falls
Pisgah National Forest

Bring your swimsuit.  The kids will enjoy wading and swimming near the falls. 

It is visible from the highway and easy to access.


 Pisgah National Forest
Being the most visited national forest in North Carolina, Pisgah offers over 400 miles of hiking trails, and plenty of outdoor activities including bicycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, wildlife observation, photography and spectacular waterfalls.  Pisgah also boasts the birthplace of forestry management in America and provides a historic tour of these events at the Cradle of Forestry complimented by educational programs at the Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education.  The kids will love it--and our cabins are only a short drive to the entrance of the Forest!  (16 miles) 

For more information:
Pisgah National Forest Website
Directions To PNF
At the end of Busted Rock Rd., turn right.  You are now on East Fork Road.  Continue for 4 miles and turn left on Hwy 276 North.  Travel approximately 11 miles.  Turn left at the light just before the Wal-Mart.  You are still on Hwy 276 North.  Go straight for 1 1/2 miles The Pisgah Ranger Station will be on your right.
Sliding Rock
Slidingrock
Highfalls
High Falls
Dupont State Forest

You might want to pack a picnic and eat lunch at the top of High Falls under the covered bridge--very romantic!!


There are three great waterfalls to see during this hike!
Dupont State Forest
Dupont is an enchanting state forest in Western North Carolina and is a popular attraction for visitors in the area.  Their beautiful, easily accessible waterfalls (located close to our cabins) are perfect for hiking ventures and the 10,256 acres of forest land provide great hiking trails (easy to strenuous), biking, horseback riding, swimming, and wildlife sightings.   The Forest is registered as NC Gamelands and hunting is permitted by special permit in designated areas.  Fishing is also permitted with a valid NC fishing license.  The engaging Hooker Falls provides a great place to swim and relax. (10 miles)

For more information:
Dupont State Forest Webite
 Directions to DSF
At the end of Busted Rock Road, turn right.  You are now on East Fork Rd.  Continue for 4 miles and turn right on Hwy 276 South.  Travel 3 1/2 miles and turn left on Cascade Rd.  Travel 1.9 miles to the first pull-off area on left or continue 2 1/2 miles to Staton Rd. and turn right.  Travel 2.4 miles to pull-off on left.  You can hike to three waterfalls from here...Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls.
Hooker Falls 
Hookerfalls
Whitewater
Whitewater Falls, Nantahala National Forest


This picture only showcases a small portion of these amazing falls.  They are truly breathtaking to behold!
Nantahala National Forest

The spectacular Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is a "must see" local landmark!  It graces the mountains with its 411-foot plunge and is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies.  It is an easily accessible waterfall, open from dawn until dusk all year, and is breathtaking in any season you choose to visit.  Hikers seeking a more challenging adventure can head east on the Foothills Trail (accessed from the Whitewater Falls' overlook) to view the Lower Whitewater Falls which cascades another 400 feet.  (27 miles)

For more information:
Nantahala National Forest Website
 Directions to NNF
At the end of Busted Rock Road, turn left.  You are now on East Fork Rd.  Travel 4.3 miles and turn left past the green barn (still on East Ford Rd.) and travel 3.7 miles to stop sign.  Turn right at the stop sign.  You are now on Pickens Hwy (Hwy 178 North) Travel to the first red light.  Turn left at the first red light.  You are now on Main Street.  Travel 2/l0 of a mile to the stop sign.  Turn left at the stop sign.  You are now on 64 West (Rosman Hwy).  Travel for 10 miles.  Turn left on 281 South  Whitewater Falls will be 9 miles on the left.
Gorges
View of Forest, Gorges State Park
Enjoy exploring the newest state park in North Carolina! 

Hiking, swimming, biking...the possibilities are endless!

Relax under the towering pines and enjoy a picnic lunch!
Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park is the newest state park in North Carolina and its first west of Asheville. 

It encompasses a 7,000-acre state park and a 3,000-acre gameland.  Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are available. 


For the nature lover, this is one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States.  (19 miles)


For more information:
Gorges State Park Website
 Directions To GSP
At the end of Busted Rock Road, turn left.  You are now on East Fork Rd.  Travel 4.3 miles and turn left past the green barn (still on East Ford Rd.) and travel 3.7 miles to stop sign.  Turn right at the stop sign.  You are now on Pickens Hwy (Hwy 178 North) Travel to the first red light.  Turn left at the first red light.  You are now on Main Street.  Travel 2/l0 of a mile to the stop sign  Turn left at the stop sign.  You are now on 64 West (Rosman Hwy). Travel for 10 miles.  The Gorges State Park Ranger Station will be on your right.  Just past the Ranger Station, turn left on 281 South.  Gorges State Park will be 1 mile on your left.
RavenCliff
Raven Cliff Falls, Caesars Head State Park

Perhaps Caesars Head State Park's  most important "point of interest" (we feel) is the majestic Raven Cliff Falls.

It is the largest waterfall in South Carolina and one of the tallest in the eastern United States. 

Located within a short driving distance from our cabins, it is truly spectacular and a must see! 
Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area.  It hosts the World Energy at Lake Keowee, a visitor's center with exhibits on the history of energy and electricity, Sassafras Mountain, the state's highest point at 3,548 feet, Roper Mountain Science Center, a living history farm, Discovery Room, Sealife Room, chemistry/physics shows and planetarium.  It also has the Foothills Trail which encompasses 85 miles of hiking trails adorned with photographic opportunities.  Perhaps its most important "point of interest" (we feel) is the majestic Raven Cliff Falls.  It is the largest waterfall in South Carolina and one of the tallest in the eastern United States.  Located within a short driving distance from our cabins, it is truly spectacular and a must see!  (12 miles)

For more information:
Caesars Head State Park Website
 Directions to CHSP
At the end of busted Rock Road, turn right.  You are now on East Fork Rd.  Continue for 4 miles and turn right on Hwy. 276 South.  Travel 8 miles.  The Ranger's Station is on your right.
We enjoyed a hike into see Raven Cliff Falls. 

The hike is easy to strenuous. 

It is our favorite waterfall and we hope that you will get to enjoy it during your visit.

Take plenty of water with you.  You might also want to pack a picnic lunch.  Don't forget your camera and binoculars!
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