The DuPont State Recreational Forest is home to many waterfalls in the western part of North Carolina. If you are traveling in the area near Cedar Mountain, NC, check out three of the easiest waterfalls to access: Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. All three falls are located on the Little River as it flows northward through the forest towards the French Broad River in Asheville. The parking areas for each of the falls is convenient and the hikes are short.
Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls is the located off of Staton Road. The short hike from the parking area is .4 miles. Hooker Falls is 12 feet high and famous. The canoe over the waterfall scene from the movie The Last of the Mohicans was filmed here. It is a popular swimming area in the summer months.
Triple Falls
Following the trail south from Hooker Falls, it takes about 15 minutes (.6 miles) to get to Triple Falls. The trail is mostly a forest road making it a very easy walk.
The falls are named for the three distinct drops of the 125 foot waterfall. Both The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans filmed scenes here featuring the falls. Swimming is not allowed due to the strong currents. However, there is a large overlook area with a cable barrier for safety.
High Falls
To reach High Falls, the High Falls Trail from Triple Falls is about .6 miles south. The majestic and aptly named High Falls is 125 to 150 feet high according to various sources. The falls flow down a solid granite wall. Rock hopping is possible at the bottom of the falls but use caution.
Notice how tiny the people are in the bottom right of the frame.
Not far from the falls there is a bonus attraction – Historic High Falls Covered Bridge. The bridge spans the Little River just south of High Falls.
Three waterfalls in one hike. It’s no wonder western North Carolina is know as The Land of Waterfalls.
For more waterfalls in western NC check out our post March in the Blue Ridge Mountains .