DuPont State Forest Waterfalls

The DuPont State Forest waterfalls are a collection of stunning waterfalls accessible on relatively easy to moderate hiking trails.

Located near Brevard, NC Dupont State Forest is a 10,000-acre gem for many reasons. The land has been given to the state for outdoor pursuits (notably hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on 86 miles of trails) for locals and visitors alike.

And admission is free. Which makes this beautiful NC state forest one of the best places to visit while near Asheville, Hendersonville or Brevard. (It’s just one of the many free things to do in the Hendersonville area.)

If you are a movie buff, you will be thrilled to know that scenes from “The Arena” in The Hunger Games were filmed in Dupont State Forest. The filming locations were for the first Hunger Games movie. (It is just one of 41 movies filmed in North Carolina.)

We’re particular to waterfall hikes (especially since Transylvania County has SOOO many of them!). So if you’re looking for waterfalls that are relatively easy to hike to, check out these waterfall hikes in DuPont State Forest.

Be prepared! While these hikes aren’t too strenuous, it’s always a wise idea to come prepared. Check out these 4 day hike essentials that we ALWAYS carry with us on the trail.

Table of Contents

Triple Falls

It’s a one mile roundtrip hike to Triple Falls from the parking area. This waterfall hike is a bit more strenuous compared to Hooker Falls and Wintergreen Falls. There is some elevation, yet the varied ages and abilities of hikers on the trail show that it is possible for many people of all physical abilities to visit this stunning waterfall.

The three tier waterfall allows many access points to view and photograph the 120-foot Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest.

There are many steps leading to some of the observation sites, so be aware that climbing steps will be necessary to get to some portions of the waterfall.

High Falls

There are several vantage points for High Falls.

While walking towards the waterfall, you’ll have a chance to see the entire waterfall from above. This is a popular picture-taking spot on the trail.

At water level for High Falls, you can walk on rocks and get some views. But you won’t have the iconic view of the entire waterfall unless you scramble on rocks and boulders to get to a vantage point in front of the waterfall.

Depending on rain levels and how high the river is will be dependent on how easy or safe this is.

A hike to High Falls is among one of the more strenuous trails.

Hooker Falls

One of the easier hikes to do, Hooker Falls does not disappoint! The 1/2 mile roundtrip hike is a gentle hike from the parking area.

The waterfall might not be the tallest or mightiest, but the gentle falling of water into large pools makes this a tranquil spot to have a picnic. Wading in the cool water is a popular activity.

Hooker Falls is also in the same area as Triple Falls, so you can do two waterfall hikes in one day.

Wintergreen Falls

This waterfall doesn’t get as much attention as Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, or High Falls, but it’s probably my favorite. This 1.7 mile hike to Wintergreen Falls is super flat and easy. You’ll probably seen horseback riders along the way.

The only place where the elevation really changes and the landscape gets a little bit rough to navigate is right at the actual waterfall. To get close, you’ll need to climb over a few rocks. But, oh, is it worth it!

You’ll need to climb over these rocks to get near the waterfall.

It’s easy to get to the rock right beside Wintergreen Falls and sit close to the crashing water. It’ a short waterfall, but the accessibility is what makes it nice. The ice-cold water is refreshing after a hike. During a spring-time hike, we saw only a handful of people during the entire round-trip hike.

Bridal Veil Falls

Check back soon. We’re planning a visit!

Grassy Creek Falls

Grassy Creek Falls in Dupont State Forest is a relatively easy trail. The walk is a little bit longer than the others, with a gradual elevation change.

Once you get near Grassy Creek Falls, that’s where some of the scrambling of rocks occurs.

It’s not until you are close to the falls that you’ll need to climb on some large rocks.

If you love waterfall hikes, be sure to check out Pearson’s Falls in nearby Saluda, NC, too.