The DuPont State Forest Waterfalls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes in Western North Carolina, leading to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls along one scenic route. Each waterfall is unique, and all three can be visited during a continuous hike beginning at the Hooker Falls Access Area.
We recently returned to DuPont State Recreational Forest to hike this trail again and take new photos. Beginning at the parking area, we first followed the short trail to Hooker Falls before turning back and continuing toward Triple Falls and High Falls.
Hooker Falls is a wide, easily accessible waterfall that flows into a large pool and popular summer swimming area. Triple Falls features three impressive cascades dropping approximately 120 feet along the Little River. Farther up the trail, High Falls plunges roughly 150 feet down a broad rock face, creating one of the most dramatic waterfall views in the forest.
The hike includes wide gravel paths, forested trails, river views, several overlooks, and a few short but steep climbs. You can turn around after any of the waterfalls or continue past High Falls to visit the covered bridge above it. Whether you’re visiting DuPont for the first time or returning to explore it again, this trail offers an unforgettable way to see three of the forest’s most beautiful waterfalls in a single hike.
Updated 9/2/2026
Current Trail Status: Verified August 2026
The main trail from the Hooker Falls Access Area to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls was open during our August 2026 visit. The staircase to the rock shelf at Triple Falls remained closed, but the main Triple Falls overlook was open.
Need to Know |
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Location: DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina |
Accessible: No - but see additional information below |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and the trail to the base of High Falls. |
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate |
Features: Three waterfalls, river views, swimming at Hooker Falls, scenic overlooks, and movie filming locations |
Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 40 for NC 280 toward Asheville Regional Airport and Brevard. Turn right onto NC 280 and continue approximately 16 miles to US 64. Turn left onto US 64 East and travel 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Crab Creek Road and continue 4.3 miles. Turn right onto DuPont Road, which becomes Staton Road, and continue approximately 3.1 miles. The signed Hooker Falls Access Area will be on your right, just before the Little River bridge. |
Accessibility and Limited-Mobility Permits
The complete route to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls is not wheelchair accessible. However, visitors with limited mobility may request a free permit to drive a private vehicle from the High Falls Access Area to the High Falls picnic shelter and covered bridge. Permits are limited, issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. Visit the official DuPont permit page for the current schedule and application form.
Best Time to Hike the DuPont Waterfalls Trail
The DuPont waterfalls are beautiful throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring usually brings stronger waterfall flow, comfortable hiking temperatures, and fresh green foliage. Summer is popular for swimming at Hooker Falls, although the trail and parking area can become very crowded. Fall brings colorful foliage around the river and waterfalls, making it one of the best times for photography. Winter generally offers fewer crowds and clearer views through the trees, but icy trails and rocks can create hazardous conditions.
During busy seasons, we recommend visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning. The Hooker Falls Access Area can fill quickly on weekends, holidays, and during peak fall color.
Forest hours are 5am - 10pm daily.
Tips for Hiking the Waterfalls Trail
The main route to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls is manageable for most active visitors, but some preparation will make the hike safer and more enjoyable.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Several sections are steep, and rocks near the river can be extremely slippery.
- Bring water, particularly during the warmer months. The climbs above Triple Falls can feel strenuous in hot and humid weather.
- Download or photograph a trail map before beginning your hike. Numerous trails and forest roads intersect throughout DuPont.
- Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
- Pack out everything you bring into the forest.
- Allow extra time for photography, swimming, and exploring the different overlooks.
- Begin early if you plan to include the covered bridge, Lake Julia, or Bridal Veil Falls.
- Follow posted signs and remain outside closed or restricted areas.
Hiking the DuPont Waterfalls Trail
For this hike, we started at the Hooker Falls Access and Parking Area (parking is free) and visited Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. The approximately three-mile out-and-back route offers a great mix of waterfalls, river scenery, forested trails, and overlooks without requiring a full day of hiking.
There are two parking areas, one close the trailhead, and one further back, for overflow. When you enter the first parking area, keep going towards the visitor building for closer parking. The building has water, restrooms, trail maps, and picnic tables.
On busy days (weekends in particular), the parking area can easily fill up by 9:30/10:00 am, so we advise getting there early.
From the parking area, we first followed Hooker Falls Road downhill toward the Little River. The trail to Hooker Falls is wide, well maintained, and only about 0.4 mile each way. After visiting the waterfall, we retraced our steps to the junction and continued across the bridge to Triple Falls Trail.
The trail begins climbing as it approaches Triple Falls. Although much of the route follows wide gravel paths, this section includes a short but steep climb. Several viewing areas provide different perspectives of Triple Falls, including an overlook where you can see all three cascades.
From Triple Falls, we continued uphill toward High Falls. The climb is steady in places, but the trail remains wide and easy to follow. The main High Falls overlook provides an impressive view of the waterfall and its broad rock face.
Visitors can turn around at the High Falls overlook or continue to the base of the waterfall and the covered bridge above it. These optional additions increase the total distance and involve additional climbing.
The Route at a Glance
- Begin at the Hooker Falls Access Area.
- Hike approximately 0.4 mile to Hooker Falls.
- Return to the trail junction and continue toward Triple Falls.
- Visit the Triple Falls viewing areas.
- Continue uphill to the High Falls overlook.
- Return to the Hooker Falls Access Area by the same route.
Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls is the first waterfall along this hike and the easiest of the three to reach. From the Hooker Falls Access Area, follow Hooker Falls Road downhill for approximately 0.4 mile. The wide gravel trail descends gradually through the forest toward the Little River.
A viewing area near the trail provides an elevated look at the waterfall. You can also follow the short path down to the riverbank for a closer view of the falls and the large pool below.
Hooker Falls is only about 15 feet tall, but its broad shape and strong flow make it especially beautiful. Unlike the tall, sloping cascades at Triple Falls and High Falls, the water drops over a nearly straight ledge spanning much of the river.
During our visit in August 2026, the area below the falls was very busy. Lots of families were swimming, wading, and relaxing along the riverbank. In the far corner of the swimming area, one family was even using a rope swing and jumping into the water. It was clearly a popular place to cool off on a warm summer day.
Hooker Falls was used as a filming location for The Last of the Mohicans. Even if you don’t plan to complete the entire waterfalls hike, the short walk and scenic river setting make Hooker Falls worth visiting on its own.
After visiting the falls, retrace your steps toward the bridge and follow the signs for Triple Falls Trail.
Learn more in our complete Hooker Falls Guide, including additional photos, swimming information, and helpful tips for your visit.
Hiking from Hooker Falls to Triple Falls
After visiting Hooker Falls, we retraced our steps to the trail junction near the bridge. We crossed the bridge and followed Triple Falls Trail along the Little River.
On the way to Triple Falls, we noticed a small side trail leading toward the river and decided to explore it. Once we reached the riverbank, we realized we could make our way to the base of the lower cascade by carefully rock-hopping along the river.
This provided a unique, up-close view of the rushing water at the base of Triple Falls. The sound and power of the waterfall were impressive from this perspective, and the area provided some excellent opportunities for photos and video.
This is an undeveloped river access rather than an official waterfall overlook. The rocks are uneven and can be extremely slippery, while water levels and currents can change quickly. Visitors should only explore where conditions permit, remain well away from fast-moving water, and turn around if the route does not feel safe.
After exploring the base of the falls, we returned to the main trail and began the climb to the primary viewing area.
Triple Falls
Triple Falls is a spectacular 120-foot waterfall made up of three distinct cascades along the Little River. Its unusual three-tiered shape makes it one of the most recognizable and frequently photographed waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
The climb from the lower portion of Triple Falls Trail to the main viewing area is very steep and strenuous. Although the steepest section isn’t especially long, it will get your heart pumping. Take your time and stop when needed, particularly during warm or humid weather.
The main viewing area offers an excellent view of all three cascades. We spent some time here enjoying the scenery and photographing the waterfall before continuing up the trail.
In the past, a separate trail and staircase provided access to the broad rock shelf between the cascades. During our August 2026 visit, that access was closed. This was unfortunate because the rock shelf provides a close view of the middle section of the waterfall and is associated with scenes filmed for The Hunger Games. Visitors can still enjoy a complete view of Triple Falls from the main overlook, but they cannot currently access the former filming-location viewing area.
From the overlook, we continued up another steep section until Triple Falls Trail reached the junction with High Falls Loop. We turned left at the junction and followed the trail beside the Little River toward High Falls.
See our Triple Falls Guide for more information
Hiking from Triple Falls to High Falls
At the junction with High Falls Loop, we turned left and followed the trail along the Little River. This portion of the hike was much quieter, and the water was significantly calmer than it had been around Triple Falls.
We encountered a few areas where the trail had washed out during Hurricane Helene. The damaged sections were easy to navigate around during our August 2026 visit, but visitors should watch their footing and use extra care near eroded trail edges.
After the quiet walk along the river, the trail began a gradual climb toward the side trail leading to the base of High Falls. We took this trail downhill to see the waterfall up close.
High Falls
High Falls is an impressive 150-foot waterfall that flows down a massive sloping rock face on the Little River. It is the tallest of the three waterfalls along this hike and one of the most dramatic waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
The trail ends along the river a few hundred feet downstream from the waterfall. From there, we carefully rock-hopped along the riverbank until we reached the base of High Falls. The extra effort was definitely worth it.
The views from the base are outstanding. Standing so close provides a much better sense of the waterfall’s height, power, and enormous scale than you can get from the distant overlooks. This area also offers many fantastic opportunities for photos and video.
During our visit, we saw numerous people swimming in the strong water below the falls. Although the pools may look inviting, the current near High Falls can be powerful and unpredictable. The rocks are also uneven and extremely slippery. Anyone exploring the riverbank should remain aware of changing conditions and avoid getting too close to the falling water or strong currents.
Because it was getting later in the day, we returned to the Hooker Falls Access Area after visiting the base of High Falls. We retraced our route past Triple Falls and followed the trail back to the parking lot.
See our High Falls Guide for more information!
Optional High Falls Loop and Covered Bridge
Instead of returning from the base of High Falls, visitors can continue around High Falls Loop. This longer route climbs toward the top of the waterfall, crosses the covered bridge over the Little River, and eventually returns to the trail junction above Triple Falls.
The covered bridge provides a very different perspective of the river just before it plunges over High Falls. Completing the loop adds distance and climbing, so allow additional time if you plan to include it in your hike.
Optional Extension to Lake Julia and Bridal Veil Falls
Visitors looking for a longer adventure can continue beyond High Falls and the covered bridge to Lake Julia and Bridal Veil Falls. We completed this extended route on a previous visit but chose not to hike that far during our August 2026 trip.
From the covered bridge, briefly follow Buck Forest Road, turn onto Conservation Road, pass the Lake Julia spillway/access, and then turn right onto Bridal Veil Falls Road.
From Lake Julia, continue toward Conservation Road and Bridal Veil Falls Road. Bridal Veil Falls is a 120-foot waterfall that flows down a long, sloping rock face. Its shape and setting are very different from Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls.
Adding Lake Julia and Bridal Veil Falls significantly increases the length of the hike. Visitors starting at the Hooker Falls Access Area should expect the complete route to be approximately seven to eight miles round trip, depending on the trails, overlooks, and side trips included. Allow several additional hours and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Other Waterfalls in DuPont State Forest
DuPont State Recreational Forest is also home to Wintergreen Falls and Grassy Creek Falls. Neither is included in the three-waterfall route described in this guide, and visiting them requires additional hiking and route planning.
Refer to DuPont’s official trail map and check current trail closures before adding either waterfall to your visit.
Where to Stay Near DuPont State Recreational Forest
Downtown Hendersonville, NC
Brevard and Hendersonville both make convenient basecamps for exploring DuPont State Recreational Forest. Brevard is closer to the forest’s western entrances, while Hendersonville offers a wider selection of lodging, restaurants, shopping, and other nearby attractions.
Staying in Brevard
Brevard is a great choice for visitors who want to stay close to DuPont while also exploring Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and downtown Brevard.
The walkable downtown features locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, galleries, and outdoor outfitters. Although we don’t have a specific Brevard property to recommend, visitors will find hotels, inns, cabins, and vacation rentals throughout the area.
Staying in Hendersonville
Echo Mountain Inn, in Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville is our top recommendation for a longer stay and one of our personal favoriteAllora mountain towns. Its walkable downtown, restaurants, wineries, breweries, shops, and convenient access to other Western North Carolina attractions make it an excellent base for a mountain getaway.
A few Hendersonville-area properties we recommend include:
Echo Mountain Inn
Echo Mountain Inn is a historic boutique inn located above Hendersonville in Laurel Park. Its peaceful mountain setting, traditional inn atmosphere, and proximity to downtown make it a good choice for couples and travelers looking for a quiet retreat.
Allora
Allora is a small boutique inn in Hendersonville where the rooms and shared spaces have been thoughtfully designed. It’s a great option for travelers who prefer an intimate property with a more contemporary feel.
DuPont State Forest Movie Filming Locations
The waterfalls and forests at DuPont State Recreational Forest may look familiar, even to first-time visitors. The area has appeared in several major movies, most notably The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games.
The Last of the Mohicans
Several scenes from the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, were filmed in and around DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Hooker Falls appears during the canoe sequence, when the characters travel down the Little River and go over a waterfall. Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls also appear in the movie, along with other recognizable locations throughout Western North Carolina.
Filmmakers combined footage from several different places to make them appear connected on screen. As a result, the geography shown in the movie does not always match the actual arrangement of the waterfalls.
The Hunger Games
DuPont State Recreational Forest became part of the fictional arena in the 2012 blockbuster The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.
Triple Falls is the forest’s most recognizable filming location. Scenes filmed here include Katniss moving across the rocks near the cascades and searching for an injured Peeta, who had camouflaged himself against the rocky surroundings.
The broad rock shelf between the cascades previously allowed visitors to stand near the area used during filming. That access was closed during our August 2026 visit, but the waterfall and surrounding landscape remain clearly visible from the main Triple Falls overlook.
Additional scenes were filmed around Bridal Veil Falls, Wintergreen Falls, and the covered bridge above High Falls. The forest’s waterfalls, dense woods, rivers, and rocky terrain made it an ideal setting for the wilderness of the arena.
Visiting the Filming Locations
Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and the covered bridge can all be incorporated into the main waterfalls hike. Bridal Veil Falls requires the much longer optional extension described above.
