Hooker Falls is a wide, 12-foot waterfall on the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. Although it isn’t one of DuPont’s tallest waterfalls, its beautiful setting, short hike, and broad swimming area make it one of the forest’s most popular places to visit.
We returned to Hooker Falls in August 2026 to see how the area looked following Hurricane Helene and to update this guide with current photos and firsthand information. Below, we’ll share what we found, including which of the two parking lots puts you closest to the trailhead, what to expect along the 0.8-mile round-trip hike, and how to visit nearby Triple Falls and High Falls while you’re there.
Updated: 9/2/2026 - Completely revised guide with new information and photos.
Need to Know |
|---|
Location: DuPont State Recreational Forest, near Brevard, NC |
Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes |
Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip |
Difficulty: Easy |
Features: Wide trail, waterfall, swimming hole, movie filming location |
Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 40 for Asheville Regional Airport. Turn right onto NC 280 and continue for approximately 16 miles toward Brevard. Turn left onto US 64 East and travel 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Crab Creek Road and continue for 4.3 miles. Turn right onto DuPont Road, which becomes Staton Road, and continue for 3.1 miles. The signed Hooker Falls Access Area will be on the right, just before the bridge over the Little River. |
Is Hooker Falls Open After 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.
Parking at Hooker Falls
The Hooker Falls Access Area has two parking lots. The first lot is the one you reach when pulling into the access area. A second lot is located farther in, next to the restrooms and the Hooker Falls trailhead.
We made the mistake of parking in the first lot and then had to walk uphill to reach the restrooms and trailhead. We recommend checking the lot near the restrooms first since it will put you closer to the beginning of the hike.
Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Both lots can fill early on summer and fall weekends, so plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m., visit on a weekday, or arrive later in the afternoon. If both lots are full, do not park along Staton Road.
During our June 2026 visit, the access area had restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, and trash cans.
Hiking the Hooker Falls Trail
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 near the beginning of the hike is the Hooker-Moore Cemetery, a small historic family cemetery reached by a short side 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 local history, but please remain on the established trail and treat the cemetery with respect.
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 12 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.
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.
If you’d like to continue beyond Hooker Falls and explore more of DuPont, see our DuPont State Forest Waterfalls Trail guide for route options, additional waterfalls, and current trail conditions.
Can You Swim at Hooker Falls?
Yes. Visitors can swim in the large pool below Hooker Falls, and it is one of the most popular summer swimming areas in DuPont State Recreational Forest. During warmer weather, it’s common to see families relaxing along the shoreline, children wading near the edge, and swimmers cooling off in the pool.
Even though Hooker Falls is relatively short, the Little River is still moving water. Water levels and currents can change quickly following heavy rain, and rocks or other debris may be hidden below the surface. Avoid swimming during high water, keep children and inexperienced swimmers close, and use extra caution on the slippery rocks near the river.
Never swim or wade above the waterfall, and do not climb, jump, dive, or slide from the falls. Always follow posted signs and remain outside any closed or restricted areas.
If you plan to swim, bring a towel and water shoes. Changing rooms are available near the restrooms in the Hooker Falls parking area.
Hooker Falls in the Movies
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. It's easy to see why filmmakers chose this location, the waterfall and surrounding forest have a timeless beauty that photographs incredibly well.
Where to Stay When Visiting Hooker Falls
Echo Mountain Inn, Hendersonville, NC
If you're planning to visit Hooker Falls, we recommend staying in Brevard or Hendersonville, NC. Both make an excellent base camps 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. Brevard is closer, but Hendersonville offers more lodging and dining options.
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.
