DuPont State Recreational Forest is an outdoors lover's dream with many waterfalls and 86 miles of trails on protected 10,000 acres. Located between Brevard and Hendersonville, it's 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 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 too.
For more solitude and to avoid the weekend crowds, arrive early and visit on weekdays. Take a breakfast for an early morning picnic on the rocks at Triple Falls. DuPont is open everyday 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 Hooker Falls parking area. There are four additional access areas with parking. Find plenty of spots for picnics, but no beverages or food are available to purchase. It's pet-friendly, but keep dogs on a leash.
DuPont State Forest Top Things To Do
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 Hunger Games, the major motion picture released in 2012, was filmed at various locations at DuPont State Forest, including Hooker Falls and Triple Falls. Read about The Hunger Games film locations.
Trails Map
Download a PDF of the DuPont Forest Trails Map.
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 both equestrians and mountain bikers. DuPont offers everything from gentle forest roads to exciting single track, with an impressive variety of scenic attractions located only minutes apart. Bike to waterfalls or go to the quieter side at Guion Farm Access. Download their Mountain Bike Guide. Also see our Mountain Biking Guide.
Horseback Riding
DuPont's trails are used by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, fishermen, and hunters (during season). Read more about horseback riding here and elsewhere in the area.
Accessibility to Waterfalls
Visitors with disabilities can obtain an automobile permit that allows them to enter the gate at the High Falls access area on Staton Road and drive to High Falls, Triple Falls and the covered bridge. Passes are limited and you need to request 48 hours in advance. From June through October, permits are granted for Monday-Friday to enter at 11 AM, 12 Noon or 2 PM. During the remaining months, they are available seven days. Call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (828) 877-6527, extension 242. The trail to Hooker Falls is wheel-chair accessible. Twice a year, ride shuttles to the waterfalls with Tour de Falls.
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. Ascend and descend; 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 larger 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 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 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 includes a limited number of vehicle passes. Reservations are for the entire day (9 AM-5 PM). 828-877-6527.
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. Climbing on rocks using your hands is prohibited. Supervise children closely and keep pets on a leash. It is easy to underestimate the slickness of rocks and the strong flow of water. Stay on the established trails and enjoy the view from the overlooks.
If you (or a friend or family member) are not able to hike to the waterfalls at DuPont State Forest, you can ride a shuttle bus... read more
For road bikes, the popular spot is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Read some great tips about biking on the Blue Ridge... read more
