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Some of the world’s most fascinating landscapes and ecosystems are found in gorges. Also known as canyons, gorges are narrow valleys that typically feature streams that cut between hills or mountains. Arguably, the most famous gorge in the world is the Grand Canyon, but the U.S. has many others to explore, and many are packed with outdoor adventures from hiking, rappelling, and rafting. Here are four of our favorite gorges in the United States from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Hiking
Hocking Hills State Park comprises 36,000 acres with several gorges and 25 miles of hiking trails. The most popular route in the park is an easy 1.6-mile trail that takes hikers to Old Man’s Cave. From the cave, ascend natural rock stairs to the gorge’s rim for a spectacular view of sheer rock canyons below. Continue on for an 11-mile-round trip jaunt through the state park to see the stunning waterfalls at Ash Cave and Cedar Falls.
Many hiking trails in the Ohio park lead to gorge overlooks or scenes like Devil’s Bathtub. The rushing water of Old Man’s Creek has eroded the black hand sandstone to create a natural tub in the gorge floor. The water swishes around and creates a foamy whirlpool effect. Legends say the tub extends to the underworld, but it’s only 6 feet deep.
Other Activities
In addition to hiking, there’s a designated public climbing area in Hocking State Forest a half-mile away. There’s also a zipline canopy route and kayaking trips available in the area. Fall is a wonderful time to visit and peep the changing leaves, but waiting until spring means you get to hike among wildflower blooms.
Pro Tip
- The gorge’s hiking trails stay open to the public during the winter. It’s a great opportunity to see frozen waterfalls.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Hiking
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Hood River is a hiker’s paradise with over 200 miles of trails. Many trails in the Columbia River Gorge pass waterfalls which are in abundance in the area—there are over 80 cascades here. The Hamilton Mountain Trail is a challenging 7.6-mile loop that passes Rodney Falls and offers panoramic views of the gorge. The famous Multnomah Falls Trail passes a 620-foot-tall waterfall, one of the highest in the country. Continue on the 1.5-mile switchback trail to see Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, and Ecola Falls.
Other Activities
For an adrenaline rush, go rappelling down a waterfall in the gorge at Starvation Creek. Or, try whitewater rafting on The White Salmon River, a tributary of the Columbia River. For hiking and water-based activities, the summer months of mid-May through the end of September are the best time of year to visit.
Pro Tip
- Hikers need to book a timed-entry permit when visiting the falls.
Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Tallulah Gorge is a state park stretching two miles with almost 1,000 feet of depth.
Hiking
You can hike rim trails to several panoramic viewpoints. The ¾-mile North Rim Trail behind the park’s Interpretive Center has five scenic waterfall overlooks, including Oceana Falls, L’Eau d’Or Falls, and Tempesta Falls.
Other Activities
The park also allows rock climbing and rappelling in designated areas, such as Sliding Rock Waterfall. If you dare, cross the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rugged surface. Be sure to look up and take in the views of the surrounding waterfalls that include Hurricane Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. For pleasant weather and the wide vistas of changing leaves, visit in the fall.
Pro Tip:
- Hikers need free permits—available at the Interpretive Center—to hike to the rocky gorge floor. The center only issues 100 permits daily, so it’s best to arrive in the morning.
New River Gorge, West Virginia
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” West Virginia’s New River Gorge is the newest national park in the States. It has over 70,000 acres of lush land and reaches 1,600 feet at its maximum depth.
Hiking
Hikers can enjoy over 20 trails in the park, including the Endless Wall Trail, which zig-zags the cliff’s edge with views of the gorge and river below. The 1.6-mile one-way walk to Long Point Trail is great for views of the spanning New River Gorge Bridge. It’s the longest steel span bridge in the Western hemisphere at 3,030 feet long, and the third-highest bridge in the country at 876 feet high. Want to visit an abandoned coal town? Climb down over 800 steep steps along the 1-mile Kaymoor Miners Trail.
Other Activities
During the summer, you can go whitewater rafting on the New River. Perfect for all skill levels, the river has varying rapids ranging from relatively easy Class II to highly challenging Class V rapids in the Lower Gorge. The gorge is also renowned for rock climbing. There are over 1,400 established routes on the Nuttal sandstone cliffs, making it one of the best places to climb in the eastern U.S.
Pro Tip:
- Fall is incredible to hike among changing foliage.
From 2024