Hooker Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, and it's easy to see why. While it stands just 15 feet tall, its wide cascade and picturesque setting make it one of the area's most beautiful and accessible waterfalls.
A short, easy hike leads to the falls, where the rushing water spills into a large pool that becomes a favorite swimming spot during the summer months. Whether you're looking for a quick stop, a family-friendly adventure, or simply a peaceful place to relax by the water, Hooker Falls is well worth adding to your DuPont itinerary.
Updated: 6/29/2026 - New formatting, information, and photos.
Need to Know |
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Location: Dupont State Forest, near Brevard, NC |
Accessible: Limited to the observation area, but not down to the falls. |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip |
Difficulty: Easy |
Features: Wide trail, waterfall, swimming hole, movie filming location |
Directions: Take I-40 to exit 46A for I-26 East towards Hendersonville. Take I-26 east to Exit 40. Turn right off Exit 40 onto NC 280. Take NC 280 south 16 miles to US 64. Turn left onto US 64 and go 3.7 miles to the stop light. Turn right onto Crab Creek Rd and go 4.3 miles to DuPont Road. Turn right onto DuPont Rd and go 4.2 miles. DuPont Rd becomes Staton Road. Follow Staton Road down just a little way, and you'll see the signed Parking area on your right. |
2026 Update: Hurricane Helene
Like much of DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Hooker Falls area was impacted by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Flooding along the Little River caused erosion, washed debris into the area, and temporarily closed the trail and falls while crews worked to restore access.
Today, visitors can once again enjoy Hooker Falls, and the trail from the Hooker Falls Access Area has reopened. If this is your first visit since Hurricane Helene, you may notice that parts of the riverbank and surrounding landscape look a little different from they did before the storm. That's a reminder of just how powerful the flooding was throughout Western North Carolina. Fortunately, Hooker Falls itself wasn't significantly affected.
Hiking to Hooker Falls
The hike to Hooker Falls is one of the easiest and most family-friendly waterfall hikes in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Beginning from the Hooker Falls Access Area parking lot on Staton Road, the trail follows a wide, well-maintained gravel path through a beautiful hardwood forest.
One interesting stop you'll encounter along the way is the Hooker-Moore Cemetery (seen above), a small historic family cemetery located just off the trail. Dating back to the 1800s, the cemetery serves as a reminder that long before DuPont became a state recreational forest, families lived, farmed, and built their lives throughout this area. It's an easy stop if you're interested in a bit of local history, but please remember to treat the cemetery with respect during your visit.
The walk to the falls is only about 0.4 miles one way (0.8 miles round trip) and gradually descends toward the Little River. While the trail is mostly smooth and easy to navigate, you'll have a gentle uphill walk back to the parking area.
As you approach the river, you'll begin to hear the sound of rushing water before the trail opens to a scenic viewing area overlooking Hooker Falls. A short spur trail leads down to the riverbank, where you can enjoy a closer view of the waterfall and the large pool below. During the warmer months, it's common to see visitors swimming, wading, or relaxing along the rocky shoreline.
Although the hike is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes, especially after rain when the rocks near the river can become slippery. If you plan to swim, bring a towel and water shoes, but always use caution around moving water, as river conditions can change quickly after heavy rainfall.
Hooker Falls
We've visited Hooker Falls several times over the years, and every visit reminds us why it's one of the most popular waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. While the waterfall stands only about 15 feet tall, its wide cascade, beautiful forest setting, and easy accessibility make it a destination that's enjoyable in every season.
The waterfall spills into a large, clear pool that has become one of Western North Carolina's favorite summer swimming holes. During our warmer-weather visits, we've seen families spread out along the rocks, children splashing in the shallow areas near the shore, and swimmers cooling off beneath the falls. It has a fun, relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great place to spend an hour or two after the short hike. As always, use caution around moving water and avoid swimming after heavy rain, when water levels and currents can rise quickly.
Hooker Falls is also famous for its Hollywood connection. The waterfall was one of several filming locations used in the 1992 Academy Award-winning film The Last of the Mohicans, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. DuPont State Recreational Forest also provided the backdrop for scenes in Patch Adams (1998), starring Robin Williams. It's easy to see why filmmakers chose this location—the waterfall and surrounding forest have a timeless beauty that photographs incredibly well.
One thing we've always appreciated about Hooker Falls is how accessible it is. You don't have to commit to a long or strenuous hike to experience a beautiful waterfall, making it a great stop for families, photographers, and anyone exploring DuPont for the first time. Whether you're visiting to take a swim, enjoy a picnic, or simply admire the scenery, Hooker Falls is one of those places that keeps drawing us back whenever we're in the area.
Where to Stay When Visiting Hooker Falls
If you're planning to visit Hooker Falls, we recommend staying in Brevard. Located less than 15 minutes from DuPont State Recreational Forest, Brevard makes an excellent basecamp for exploring not only Hooker Falls, but also High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and many of the area's other waterfalls and hiking trails.
Beyond its convenient location, Brevard is one of our favorite mountain towns to visit. Its walkable downtown is filled with locally owned restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, galleries, and outdoor outfitters, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the trails.
