101 Unique Things to Do in Asheville NC & Western NC
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Triple Falls Trail is currently closed due to damaged stairs, making the 3-mile round trip hike that includes Hooker, Triple, and High Falls not possible at this time. Visitors can only access Hooker Falls from the Hooker Falls parking lot. A viewpoint of Triple Falls can be seen via the High Falls Trail, which is open.
Visit the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information on closures along the Parkway.
DuPont State Recreational Forest is an outdoor lover's dream with many waterfalls and 86 miles of trails on protected 12,000 acres. Located between Brevard and Hendersonville, it is an easy 40-mile drive from Asheville. Most visitors flock to the three-mile roundtrip hike to three waterfalls (Hooker, Triple, and High Falls), but there's so much more to explore! Take a variety of waterfall and lake hikes, or trek to the top of Cedar Rock or Stone Mountain for mountain views. It's also one of North Carolina's best mountain biking and horseback riding areas.
For more solitude and to avoid the weekend crowds, arrive early and visit on weekdays. DuPont is open every day 5 AM until 10 PM. Admission is free. The Visitor Center and restrooms are located at the High Falls parking area. About a mile away on the same road is the Hooker Falls parking area with restrooms. There are four additional access areas with parking. Find plenty of spots for picnics, but no beverages or food are available for purchase. It's pet-friendly, but keep dogs on a leash.
DuPont State Forest Top Things To Do
7-Mile Waterfalls Hike, DuPont State Forest
(7 miles roundtrip, strenuous) See three waterfalls on this hike in DuPont State Forest: High Falls, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Or you can mountain bike most of it on old logging… read more
(7 miles roundtrip, strenuous) See three waterfalls on this hike in DuPont State Forest: High Falls, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Or you can mountain bike most of it on old logging roads. Extend the hike about 1.5 miles to see Hooker Falls, too!
High Falls, DuPont State Forest
This 150-ft. waterfall is in the middle of an amazing 10,000-acre nature sanctuary. One of the most impressive NC waterfalls, it is an easy hike from the parking area (1.2 miles roundtrip). Walk… read more
This 150-ft. waterfall is in the middle of an amazing 10,000-acre nature sanctuary. One of the most impressive NC waterfalls, it is an easy hike from the parking area (1.2 miles roundtrip). Walk or bike to additional waterfalls nearby. Very popular, so expect crowds especially on weekends.
3-Mile Waterfall Hike, DuPont State Forest
[CLOSED FOR NOW] (3 miles, moderate) Our most popular waterfall hike takes you to Hooker, Triple and High Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Take a picnic! Since it's so beautiful, expect… read more
[CLOSED FOR NOW] (3 miles, moderate) Our most popular waterfall hike takes you to Hooker, Triple and High Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Take a picnic! Since it's so beautiful, expect big crowds on nice weekends.
Stone Mountain, DuPont State Forest
(2.4 miles roundtrip, moderate) A mostly wooded hike with a gradual climb takes you to the top of a rock face with great views across DuPont State Recreational Forest.
(2.4 miles roundtrip, moderate) A mostly wooded hike with a gradual climb takes you to the top of a rock face with great views across DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Bridal Veil Falls, DuPont State Forest
(4.4 miles roundtrip hike, moderate) This beautiful 120-foot waterfall is near High Falls and other DuPont Forest falls and lakes. Hike or bike to it. Many hike combinations due to a network of… read more
(4.4 miles roundtrip hike, moderate) This beautiful 120-foot waterfall is near High Falls and other DuPont Forest falls and lakes. Hike or bike to it. Many hike combinations due to a network of trails.
Hooker Falls, DuPont State Forest
Located near Triple Falls, it is an easy 1/2-mile roundtrip stroll from the parking area. While it's only 12 ft. tall, it's wide and cascades into a beautiful pool that is a popular swimming spot… read more
Located near Triple Falls, it is an easy 1/2-mile roundtrip stroll from the parking area. While it's only 12 ft. tall, it's wide and cascades into a beautiful pool that is a popular swimming spot.
Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear. In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Experience sunsets, waterfalls and… read more
Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear. In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Experience sunsets, waterfalls and high peaks at a variety of locations including the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest and more.
DuPont State Forest Hidden Lakes
(4 miles, moderate) Discover some hidden lakes on the quieter side of DuPont State Recreational Forest, as well as an airstrip with a great mountain view. Fawn Lake and Lake Julia are great… read more
(4 miles, moderate) Discover some hidden lakes on the quieter side of DuPont State Recreational Forest, as well as an airstrip with a great mountain view. Fawn Lake and Lake Julia are great swimming holes, too.
Cedar Rock Mountain, DuPont Forest
(4.5 miles loop, moderate) This hike provides wonderful views and dramatic scenery - and it's not difficult. Rising only a few hundred feet above the surrounding plateau, walk across areas of… read more
(4.5 miles loop, moderate) This hike provides wonderful views and dramatic scenery - and it's not difficult. Rising only a few hundred feet above the surrounding plateau, walk across areas of granite with great views.
Triple Falls, DuPont State Forest
[CURRENTLY CLOSED] This unique three-tier waterfall offers a chance to safely get a close-up view in the middle of three cascades. It's only a one-mile roundtrip hike - and a half mile from High… read more
[CURRENTLY CLOSED] This unique three-tier waterfall offers a chance to safely get a close-up view in the middle of three cascades. It's only a one-mile roundtrip hike - and a half mile from High Falls and Hooker Falls. For your safety, remember to stay behind the cable barricade.
Tumblestone Waterfall Tours
Experience guided half-day excursions to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the region. These tours feature visits to three spectacular waterfalls while participants explore both national… read more
Experience guided half-day excursions to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the region. These tours feature visits to three spectacular waterfalls while participants explore both national and state forests and enjoy a picturesque drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hikes are designed for easy to moderate skill levels, covering about three miles at a relaxed pace, making…
DuPont Forest Festival
Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.
Celebrate DuPont State Recreational Forest with many special events on National Public Lands Day, such as guided tours, educational lectures, hands-on demonstrations and more. Free admission.
Wintergreen Falls, DuPont State Forest
(3 miles roundtrip, easy) This 20-ft. waterfall is tucked away in the beautiful setting of DuPont Forest. The hiking trail is gentle - you can also mountain bike or horseback ride.
(3 miles roundtrip, easy) This 20-ft. waterfall is tucked away in the beautiful setting of DuPont Forest. The hiking trail is gentle - you can also mountain bike or horseback ride.
Waterfall Safety
Although beautiful to see, waterfalls can be very dangerous. Every year, people fall to their death after a slip on wet rocks above and around waterfalls in the area. Never climb or slide on waterfalls, or swim, wade or play in the water above a waterfall within 300 feet. See our Waterfall Safety Tips.
Covered Bridge
Crossing the river above High Falls is a beautiful covered bridge that was built in 2000 for a planned, exclusive real estate development. Thankfully, the state bought the land (after a long legal battle) from the developer so it could be preserved. Read the full history of saving Dupont Forest.
Movie Location
The Last of the Mohicans and the Hunger Games, the major motion picture released in 2012, were filmed at various locations at DuPont State Recreational Forest, including Hooker Falls, High Falls, Bridle Falls, Triple Falls, and portions of the Forest. There's more information about movie locations at the Visitor Center at the High Falls Parking Lot. Read about The Hunger Games film locations.
Mountain Biking
DuPont State Forest is fast becoming one of the leading mountain bike destinations in Western North Carolina with 80 miles of trails open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Remember, E-bikes, including pedal assists, are not allowed in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Horseback Riding
DuPont's trails are used by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, anglers, and hunters (during season). Parking for horse trailers is available at the Guion Farm Access Area and the Lake Imaging Access Area. Read more about horseback riding here and elsewhere in the area.
Accessibility
A Limited mobility permit is available on a limited basis. It allows you to drive your personal vehicle to the High Falls picnic shelter for a view of High Falls and to the covered bridge. You may request a limited mobility permit through the DuPont State Recreational Forest website or by using this link.
Trails Map
Download a PDF of the DuPont Forest Trails Map. Save it to your phone before your go. 4 MB.
DuPont State Forest Directions
Directions from Asheville (via Brevard) to two parking areas: I-26 East to exit 40 for Highway 280/Airport exit toward Brevard. Turn right onto 280 and drive about 16 miles. Turn left on U.S. 64 as you enter Brevard past Wal-Mart. Travel east on U.S. 64 for 3.7 miles to the gas station in Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Rd and continue 4.3 miles and turn right on DuPont Rd. After 3.1 miles, find the Hooker Falls parking area on the right just before the Little River Bridge. One mile past this parking area is the High Falls parking area with restrooms, visitor center and water. (Street address: 89 Buck Forest Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718)
Directions from Hendersonville: Take Business US-25 (Church St.) south to Kanuga and turn right. Kanuga becomes Crab Creek Rd. after 3.9 miles at Little River Rd. (flashing traffic light). Continue on Crab Creek Rd. 7.1 miles to DuPont Rd. Turn left for 3.1 miles.
Guion Farm Access (For Stone Mountain hike, Wintergreen Falls, horseback riding and mountain bikes): Same directions as above. After you turn right on DuPont Rd., go 7/10 of a mile and turn left on Sky Valley Road. Go past the junction of Old CCC Road to the Guion Farm Access Area 1.6 miles on the right.
Picnic Shelter Reservations
Picnic shelters inside the forest are available for group rental, and include a limited number of vehicle passes. Reservations are for the entire day (9 AM-5 PM). To make a picnic shelter reservation visit the DuPont State Recreational Forest website or use this link.
Holmes Educational State Forest
Located less than five miles from DuPont Forest is a much less visited park with trails, picnic tables and talking trees! Read about Holmes Educational State Forest.
