Triple Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall on the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. The river drops approximately 120 feet across three broad cascades, creating one of the most impressive and recognizable waterfalls in the forest.
We visited Triple Falls in August 2026, starting from the Hooker Falls Access Area and crossing the pedestrian bridge to reach the Triple Falls Trail. During our visit, we followed a small rocky side trail for a close-up view from the base of the falls, then climbed the short but very steep section of trail to the main observation area, which offers the best view of all three cascades.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to park, what to expect along the trail, which viewing areas are currently open following Hurricane Helene, and how Triple Falls became one of DuPont Forest’s most recognizable filming locations from The Hunger Games.
Fall at Triple Falls, in DuPont State Recreational Forest
Need to Know |
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Location: DuPont State Recreational Forest, near Brevard, NC |
Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes |
Distance: 1-mile round trip from the Hooker Falls Parking lot, or 2.2 Miles Roundtrip from the High Falls Parking Lot |
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous |
Features: Waterfall, 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 Triple Falls Open After Hurricane Helene?
Yes, Triple Falls is open following Hurricane Helene. The Triple Falls Trail, the small side trail to the base of the lower falls, and the main observation area were all open when we visited in August 2026. Visitors can also continue beyond Triple Falls to High Falls.
However, the stairs and trail leading down to the broad rock shelf in the middle of Triple Falls remain closed because of damage from Helene. Barricades are in place, and visitors should not attempt to enter the closed area.
Even with the middle shelf closed, we were still able to enjoy two very different views of Triple Falls. The rocky side trail at the base provided a close-up view of the lower cascade, while the main observation area offered the best longer-distance view of all three sections of the waterfall.
Conditions can change, so check the latest Triple Falls information from Friends of DuPont Forest before visiting.
Parking For Triple Falls
The closest and most convenient place to park for Triple Falls is the Hooker Falls Access Area on Staton Road. This is where we parked during our August 2026 visit. Restrooms are available here, and the Triple Falls Trail begins across the pedestrian bridge near the upper portion of the parking area.
Something that is easy to miss is that the Hooker Falls Access Area has two parking lots. The first lot is immediately after you pull into the access area, while a second lot is farther uphill beside the restrooms and closer to the Triple Falls trailhead.
We made the mistake of parking in the first lot without realizing there was another one closer to the trailhead. This added an uphill walk to the restrooms and pedestrian bridge before we even began the hike. We recommend checking the lot beside the restrooms first. If it is full, the first lot provides additional parking farther down the hill.
Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lots can fill early, especially during summer, fall color season, weekends, and holidays. The N.C. Forest Service recommends arriving before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to improve your chances of finding a space.
Triple Falls can also be reached from the High Falls Access Area. This is an option if you plan to visit High Falls first, but the Hooker Falls Access Area provides the shorter and more direct hike to Triple Falls.
Hiking to Triple Falls
From the Hooker Falls Access Area, the hike to Triple Falls is approximately 0.5 miles each way, making it about a one-mile round trip if you hike only to the main observation area. Although the hike is short, one very steep section makes it more challenging than the distance might suggest.
From the parking area, follow the signs for Triple Falls and cross the pedestrian bridge over the Little River. Early in the hike, the trail takes you beneath Staton Road before continuing upstream alongside the river. The beginning of the trail is relatively easy and provides a pleasant walk beside the Little River.
After approximately 0.3 miles, look for a small side trail leading toward the base of the lower waterfall. This short path is rocky and requires some careful rock hopping, but it allowed us to get a much closer look at the lower section of Triple Falls. Use caution around the base, especially when the rocks are wet, and do not climb on the waterfall itself.
After returning to the main trail, the hike becomes considerably steeper. The climb is fairly short, but it is very steep and may require taking a few breaks. The trail surface is mostly gravel, which can also feel slippery when hiking back downhill.
At the top of the steep section, you will reach the main observation area for Triple Falls. This overlook provides the best longer-distance view of the waterfall and allows you to see all three cascades together.
Again, the stairs that previously led from the main trail to the broad rock shelf in the middle of Triple Falls remain closed. The area is fenced and clearly marked, so remain behind the barriers.
After enjoying the overlook, you can return to the Hooker Falls Access Area for an approximately one-mile round-trip hike. You can also continue along the trail for about another half mile to visit High Falls. We chose to continue to High Falls, making it easy to see all three of DuPont Forest’s most popular waterfalls during the same outing.
Triple Falls
Triple Falls Viewing Area
What makes Triple Falls different from nearby Hooker Falls and High Falls is the way the Little River descends in three distinct stages. Instead of one continuous drop, the water flows over three broad cascades separated by exposed sections of granite. Together, the cascades drop approximately 120 feet and give the waterfall its stair-step appearance and name.
Triple Falls looks very different depending on where you view it. From the base, you primarily see the lower cascade, but you are close enough to appreciate the sound, movement, and power of the water. The main observation area provides the classic view of Triple Falls, allowing you to step back and see all three cascades together.
Base of Triple Falls, where you can get up close
We enjoyed visiting both viewpoints because each offered a completely different perspective. The base provided a closer and more dramatic experience, while the main observation area gave us the best overall view of the waterfall’s size and unique three-tiered formation.
Triple Falls is located between High Falls upstream and Hooker Falls downstream. All three waterfalls are part of the Little River and can easily be visited during the same hike.
Can You Swim at Triple Falls?
No, we do not recommend swimming at Triple Falls. During our August 2026 visit, we did not see any good or safe places to enter the water. The river flows across large rocks and steep cascades, and the areas near the base are rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery.
DuPont State Recreational Forest also prohibits swimming or wading within 300 feet upstream of waterfalls, as well as climbing, jumping, or diving at waterfalls. Enjoy Triple Falls from the base and designated observation areas, but remain on the rocks and trails away from the moving water.
If swimming is part of your plans, nearby Hooker Falls has a broad pool below the waterfall and is generally the better option when water conditions are safe.
Triple Falls and The Hunger Games Movie
Triple Falls is one of several locations in DuPont State Recreational Forest that appeared in the 2012 movie The Hunger Games. The forest’s rivers, waterfalls, and wooded trails helped represent the outdoor arena where Katniss Everdeen and the other tributes competed.
Triple Falls is most closely associated with the scene in which Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, searches for the injured Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson. She eventually discovers him camouflaged among the rocks beside the river below Triple Falls.
The movie does not show the entire three-tiered waterfall during the scene, so it can be easy to miss if you are not familiar with the location. Fans may be more likely to recognize the exposed rocks, flowing water, and surrounding forest than the complete waterfall.
Visitors can still see the general filming area from the open viewpoints near the base and the main observation area. However, the actual filming area near the middle of Triple Falls is closed and not accessible.
Other locations within DuPont State Recreational Forest were also used during filming, including Bridal Veil Falls and areas near High Falls. Triple Falls also appeared in the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans.
Where to Stay When Visiting Triple Falls
Allora Boutique Inn in Hendersonville, NC
Both Brevard and Hendersonville make convenient home bases for visiting Triple Falls and the other waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. The best choice depends on what else you would like to experience during your trip.
Staying in Brevard
Brevard is a great choice if waterfalls, hiking, and outdoor adventures are the primary focus of your visit. In addition to DuPont State Recreational Forest, you will be within easy driving distance of Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and many other popular outdoor destinations.
Downtown Brevard also offers a nice selection of restaurants, breweries, shops, and local businesses to enjoy after a day on the trails.
Staying in Hendersonville
Downtown Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville is another excellent place to stay when visiting Triple Falls. Its lively downtown provides plenty of restaurants, shops, breweries, and evening activities, while still keeping you within a convenient drive of DuPont State Recreational Forest.
One of our top places to stay in Hendersonville is Echo Mountain Inn. We enjoyed its peaceful mountain setting, historic character, comfortable rooms, and freshly prepared breakfast. The inn dates back to 1896 and is located in Laurel Park, approximately three miles from downtown Hendersonville. It is a wonderful choice if you want a quiet and relaxing place to return to after hiking.
We also recommend Allora, a small boutique inn located just two blocks from Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. Allora offers a modern take on a traditional bed-and-breakfast, with comfortable rooms, welcoming common areas, gourmet breakfast, and freshly prepared coffee and espresso drinks. Its location makes it especially convenient for walking downtown for dinner, shopping, or an evening out.
Choose Echo Mountain Inn if you prefer a quiet mountain retreat, or Allora if being within walking distance of downtown is more important. You can find additional options through our Hendersonville lodging search on Stay22 or explore more ideas in our Hendersonville, NC Travel Guide.
