Exploring Scenic Waterfalls at DuPont Forest

Hidden in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, DuPont State Recreational Forest is a natural wonderland, renowned for its diverse landscapes, peaceful trails, and breathtaking waterfalls.

DuPont is home to a series of stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique character and charm. With more than 10,000 acres of protected land, the forest offers a perfect blend of accessible hiking trails and rugged, wild beauty.

Take a Hike in Dupont State Forest

While we can do our best to vividly describe DuPont Forest, the real appreciation comes when you go and explore it yourself! Each waterfall is easily accessible by well-maintained trails, so whether you'd like a leisurely walk or a more challenging trek, you can take in the beauty of these natural beauties without venturing too far off the beaten path.

The forest’s waterfalls range from gentle cascades to dramatic, multi-tiered drops, making it an ideal destination for all kinds of waterfall chasers. Let's take a look at some of the most popular waterfalls to set your sights on.

Best Waterfalls at Dupont State Recreational Forest

When you start researching the best waterfalls in North Carolina, you'll consistently see DuPont State Recreational Forest at the top of the list—and for good reason! Here are some of the top cascades you can visit when you go to DuPont Recreational Forest. Don't forget Make sure to pack the essentials like a camera, sunscreen, and some sturdy hiking boots!

Hooker Falls

Named after Edmund Hooker who ran the mill in the late 1800s, Hooker Falls is one of the most popular and accessible waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Hooker Falls is located at the site of a former grist mill, where Little River drops off a 13-foot ledge into Cascade Lake.

While the 12-foot falls are shorter than our other picks, the drop is wide and creates a scenic setting perfect for a photo or a quick dip in the water. In the summer, Hooker Falls is a popular destination for splashing around and beating the heat.

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• Large pool for swimming
• Easily accessible
• Restrooms and changing rooms available in the parking lot
• Dogs welcome on a leash
  

Grassy Creek Falls

Grassy Creek Falls can be accessed from the Hooker Falls, High Falls, or Lake Imaging parking areas. Lake Imaging way has a lot of horse and mountain bike traffic from that parking area.

Triple Falls

What's better than 1 or 2 waterfalls? We think 3! Triple Falls boasts stunning scenery with lush green hillsides and eastern Hemlock pine trees. The area is a popular destination for waterfall lovers and sunbathers.

To see this 120-ft. tall waterfall, hike one-mile round-trip from the Hooker Falls parking area or 2.2 miles round-trip from the High Falls parking area - passing High Falls along the way. Triple Falls is known to be especially busy on weekends and during the summer and fall seasons. 

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• 120-foot cascade drops
• Well-marked trail
• 2.7 miles roundtrip
• Dogs welcome on a leash

High Falls

High Falls is a gorgeous 150-ft. tall waterfall. Visitors can hike or bike the beautiful 1.2-mile round-trip to see High Falls. The trail begins at the High Falls Visitor Center parking area and is considered moderately challenging.

Bridal Veil Falls

While Bridal Veil Falls isn't quite as tall as some of our other recommendations, it is just as scenic. With rushing water cascading off the overhanging ledge and a shallow bed of shiny granite, Bridal Veil will make your jaw drop!

When the water is low, visitors can take the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall. It's located right along US Highway 64 (Mountain Waters Scenic Byway & NC Waterfall Byway), 2.5 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja River Gorge.

Here's Why You'll Love It:

• 60-foot waterfall
• Long or short hike to see the falls
• Easily accessible (including wheelchairs, scooters and strollers)
• Roadside Parking
• 4.4 miles roundtrip
• Dogs welcome on a leash
  

The Last of the Mohicans Filmed at DuPont State Recreational Forest

Like many waterfalls we've mentioned around North Carolina, some of the areas of Dupont State Forest were used as the backdrop for a few Hollywood movies! The 1992 epic historical drama, The Last of the Mohicans was filmed at multiple locations in DuPont State Recreational Forest. For more information about specific movie filming locations, check out the Visitor's Center at the High Falls parking lot.

FAQ's

Stay at Meraki Escape

You can come see our forest and waterfall "escapes" in person at Meraki Escape. All of the waterfalls we've recommended are within 30 minutes of our cabins in Brevard, NC. 

Our luxury mountain cabins are the perfect complement to your advantages and we have tailored experiences and packages designed for the perfect honeymoon or anniversary. Not celebrating anything special? We invite you to turn a spontaneous weekend away into an unforgettable couple's getaway in the scenic mountains of North Carolina.