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    DuPont State Forest

    4.7 (85 reviews)

    DuPont State Forest Photos

    Recommended Reviews - DuPont State Forest

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    Hooker Falls
    Tim C.

    This is a great park for relatively easy and short hikes to see (and swim near) some nice waterfalls. We took our two daughters (5 and 8 years old) on some of the hikes near the Hooker Falls Access parking lot. We arrived at the parking lot around 9am and the lot was already filling up, so make plans to arrive early to secure a parking spot! We went to Triple Falls first, which was a doable hike for the kiddos and took us to some really nice views of the falls. We had packed a lunch beforehand, and took that lunch then to Hooker Falls, which has some calmer waters at the base where people get in to swim and play. There is a smaller sandy beach area with shallower water which was good for younger kids to play in. It was refreshing to jump into the water after a morning packed with hiking! Again, the Hooker Falls Access seemed like a popular spot, so plan to get there early to secure a parking spot!

    Lara T.

    What a gem in North Carolina. Home to so many great hiking trails and waterfalls, this is an easy state forest to get to from Asheville. It has more than 10,000 acres of forests and waterfalls. Their most popular hike is not difficult at all (a couple miles total) and you can see 3 different waterfalls along the way Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls which are breathtaking. The parking availability is excellent as well. Everyone along the trails were so friendly.

    Latonya P.

    Beautiful- calming- a place of reflection- fresh air etc. We walked two trails to view waterfalls- met really nice people (who isn't nice when surrounded with such beauty) and got a really good workout in! If your not in shape the trails to waterfalls can be physically challenging but oh so worth it!!! We will definitely return to explore more of this great park! Tip go early the lots fill up fast regarding parking we got there around 9:30 by the time we left around noon it was full.

    Shannette W.

    One of the easiest hikes ever. Went to Hooker Falls and it was beautiful. The trail was well maintained and parking was good. We went kinda late in the day and it was getting dark. But it was easy to get back to the car. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the falls

    One of the many waterfalls that we saw
    Jennifer I.

    Oh my goodness so much beauty and standing in the middle of the forestry and closing your eyes and hearing the sound of the waterfalls is amazing. Great place to hike however, I will say it's moderately hard. Let's just say the next time I go I will have walking sticks in hand.but I will definitely do this again. It was phenomenal.

    DuPont State Forest come and see some of God's greatest waterfalls.
    David C.

    One of God's natural Treasures in North Carolina. I believe you will get your feel of waterfalls.

    High Falls
    Meanole M.

    Unbelievable network of waterfalls are accessible within the DuPont State Forest. It was really crowded on Sunday when we were there, so we stuck to the High Falls Loop and had an amazing experience. From the visitors center to the falls, we took an easy, half mile trail, sat back, and enjoyed nature's beauty.

    Linda R.

    If you are in the area, either living or visiting, you need to check out Dupont State Forest near Brevard, NC. They are known for their waterfalls, and indeed, the wayerfalls are beautiful and definitely worth a visit. This is a park that stays pretty busy, and depending on the time of year and time of day you may have a difficult time finding a place to park. My suggestion is to keep circling until you find something because the views are worth it. You will see a lot of people on the trails, but luckily the trails are in good shape and easy to maneuver.

    Map.
    Amy Lauren S.

    My husband and I had a wonderful time hiking the trails at DuPont State Forest. We visited on a weekday in late October, and the crowds were not bad. The parking lots are small, and every spot was taken, but the trails themselves offered lots of room to spread out. If you hike Hooker Falls and Triple Falls, you can see several incredible waterfalls in a short time. The park also has loops you can hike and see a covered bridge. The Triple Falls hike has a pretty steep uphill, so be prepared. The views and photos are worth it. If you plan to hike all of the trails, carry water and perhaps a snack. All of the trails are well marked, and you can scan a QR code and download a map to your phone. The ranger's station also has paper maps. For me, cell phone signal was nonexistent, even a few miles after we left the park and I tried to enter our AirBNB into my phone's GPS. I recommend downloading directions to your next destination, just in case. Also, parking is free, but there are two lots so don't forget which one you parked in.

    Wen-Ju C.

    Best waterfalls ever!!! The trails were fun, they had easy, medium, and tough routes. I love that it's dog friendly so my dog was able to enjoy the waterfalls and hike too. It was a lot of fun and beautiful place. There's restrooms and picnic tables available by the parking lot. I suggest bringing sunscreen, bathing suit, water shoes, and towels if you want to dip in the water. There weren't that many bugs/insects from my experience.

    NC beauty
    Dani N.

    Beautiful forest right off the highway with tons of trails of all levels. Very well kept area with many parking options and especially helpful rangers at the visitor's center. There is no service in this area so I'd recommend routing your GPS to the visitor's center and hiking out from there. That way you can ask the park rangers for directions if you need something specific other than the main falls. I believe there are 6 different falls in the area: Hooker Falls, High Falls, Triple Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, Wintergreen Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The water flow is, of course, dependant on the season and how much rainfall the area has gotten recently. They say the best time to go is Spring or mid Fall. I've been to Dupont for hiking a few times now. Once in Summer and other times in early Fall. I've never seen the leaves change color but every time I visit the falls are plenty filled with water. My favorite waterfall here is High Falls. It blows my mind how huge it is! Triple Falls is pretty cool, too, and the hike is a little more intense for those looking for an actual trek. A lot of people swim at the base of Hooker Falls. It's very calm waters, from what I've experienced, and a beautiful swimming hole to relax at. Wintergreen and Bridal Veil are more fun for the hike and to say you've seen X number of falls rather than for their beauty and wonder. All the trails are well marked here. It's a very safe area. I've never seen any huge animals. I would recommend wearing bug spray, especially in the Summer and it is the South and there are tons of them everywhere. The visitor's center has restrooms and, again, very helpful staff. There's a nice variety of super easy trails and pretty strenuous ones. I'd definitely recommend this area for families, couples, independent travelers, etc. Don't forget to bring water!

    Andrea W.

    Cool park to do some waterfall hikes! I went to Hooker, Triple, and High Falls, and they were all great! Pretty unique waterfalls too, which was awesome. I came on a weekday morning, plenty of parking, not too many people, and trail was pretty flat for the most part. Great spot to stop by and get some nature!

    Triple Falls
    Lesley F.

    Beautiful state Forest with lots of hiking and biking trails! The falls were gorgeous and well worth the hike. Be aware that there is more than one parking lot and remember which one you start from;-) very enjoyable morning. It was not terribly crowded on this weekday.

    Sneak peek of high falls

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    2 years ago

    Second time here and loved it just as much. Lots of bathroom options, well-kept trails, and beautiful waterfalls.

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    4 years ago

    Speaks for itself. Beautiful place. Definitely one of the best things to do free in Hendersonville

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - DuPont State Forest

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    No no cost to park

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    Review Highlights - DuPont State Forest

    Triple Falls is pretty cool, too, and the hike is a little more intense for those looking for an actual trek.

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    Jump Off Rock

    Jump Off Rock

    4.6(29 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    10-5-24 The…read morehighlight of my trip to Hendersonville was coming here to Jump Off Rock. It is a free parking with free parking as well. It has a beautiful observation area where on a clear day you can see all the neighboring cities and states. After we tried on of the three trails. They aren't easy but we did it! Felt a sense of accomplishment. It was an enjoyable time where you can enjoy the scenery and nature. Definitely will return on our next trip to Hendersonville.

    This weekend, my family and I decided to explore Jump Off Rock in North Carolina since the weather…read morewas nice. Jump Off Rock--located about 15 minutes from Hendersonville, NC--is a scenic overlook of Western North Carolina with three easy hiking trails, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a sunny day. There is complimentary parking, easy-to-follow trails that are hiker-friendly for all ages, benches to enjoy the scenic outlook, and wheelchair accessibility. Once my family arrived, we enjoyed the magnificent view of the Western North Carolina mountain range, taking photos of the scenery and personal selfies together. There is a drawing of the mountain range that identifies which mountains you are looking at. I found this very helpful since I could finally put names to the mountains in front of my eyes. After admiring the amazing view, we took the three hikes Jump Off Rock offers. The trails are fairly easy, ranging from 0.25 to 1 mile. They are easy to access, located on the left and right sides of the parking lot. The paths are simple to follow and not too dangerous for occasional hikers and their furry friends. While we were there, my family and I saw two deer on the path, which was really cool. Altogether, the three trails took us around 30 minutes at an average pace. Just a quick note--there are no restrooms or portable toilets at Jump Off Rock. I recommend stopping in Hendersonville or at a gas station before making your journey. If it's a nice day or you just want to get out of the house, I highly recommend visiting Jump Off Rock to enjoy the scenic overlook of the Western North Carolina mountain range and reconnect with nature.

    Photos
    Jump Off Rock - One of the treacherous trails

    One of the treacherous trails

    Jump Off Rock - The view from jump off Rock

    The view from jump off Rock

    Jump Off Rock - Rebecca and Bill Lewis of Vero Beach, Florida, visiting Jump Off Rock.

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    Rebecca and Bill Lewis of Vero Beach, Florida, visiting Jump Off Rock.

    Purchase Knob - Trail signs

    Purchase Knob

    5.0(2 reviews)
    30.2 mi

    This has been our favourite walk forever. Do not let the couple of bad characters hinder you from…read morethis beautiful hike, because getting to the top is its own reward with sheer beauty. This property was donated to the state park and open to all. Very clean and well-kept trails, dog friendly, and a nice place to rest and relax, including restrooms at the science centre.

    I discovered this place through my daughter. She has gone here twice- once through her middle…read moreschool, and once through a local camp. She raved about it, and we finally got a chance to check it out. So happy we did! Purchase Knob was generously donated by the McNeil-Gilmore family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is 535 acres of land that rises ultimately to 5,086 feet at the knob. In the meadow below the knob, at 4,850 feet, there are two buildings housing offices, a lab, a classroom for fifty students, and housing for up to eight scientists. Views are 180 degrees. You can hit the Cataloochee Divide Trail here, too. A refurbished cabin originally from the 1870s is nearby, which I will get to in a bit. When you get to the park, you will be blocked by a gate with a sign to the left identifying the park. It is open once in a while for scheduled visits/field trip students. It is easy to get your vehicle locked within the park. (People cannot get locked in.) Park your car on the sides of the road. Just walk around the gate if it is locked. Bring water, and a jacket in the spring or fall. The 2.5 mile round trip trail is basically a wide, dirt road that will eventually lead up to the main buildings. It is well maintained. When you get a glimpse of the building at the top, you will also see a grass trail leading upwards. I would take that trail. It is a shortcut. If you like to walk, just keep going, and the road will eventually lead to the building as well. On the way up, you will see many types of wildflowers. We heard (up) and spotted a hawk (down). I got a photo of nightshade, all the while with my body centimeters from a hidden cliff edge. Be careful on grassy edges! The open areas and tree-filled areas were of equal beauty. In early September I saw purples, greens, grays, and yellows, all framed by a clear blue sky graced by fluffy clouds. Your soul will take this in, and it will hold on to it. When we got to the top, we relaxed. We did not go to the knob proper. We used the very clean bathrooms, and laid down in the field right in front of the buildings. There is a water fountain. You are allowed on the deck, but not in the buildings unless you are with a scheduled group. There are picnic tables grouped close together, and bear-proof trashcans and recycling bins. You can check out the outside of the weather station that is a bit away. I would not traipse around the adjacent fields. I saw tagged plants and left that area so that we would not screw up any data. If you decide to go to the actual knob, you have to blaze your own trail. As of two days ago, the footbridge leading to Cataloochee was out. There is a sign warning of that; be careful crossing creeks. Anyway, that trail is easy to find; just look for signs. Check out the bulletin board for lists of the types of birds and butterflies that you can see there. I saw (possibly) a Cloudless skipper. It was fluorescent yellow! My first. To get down to the restored Ferguson cabin, just leave via the "grass carpet" trail. Make an obvious right and hitch your horse, or kids. This right will lead you to the cabin. The Fergusons were the first farmers to have an elevated farm. Their apples are still there. Do not pick anything. Do not get in the boar trap. Do not get near bears. Do not bother the cow spirits. Call to make sure horses are indeed still allowed. Bears and boars can hurt you. We leave all snacks in the car. You never know. Call the general number to see if bear activity is intense before going to this park. Middle school and up teachers, call this number to schedule a visit: 828-926-6251. This park welcomes wimpy and tough hikers mid-March through November. Call if you have a desire to hike in the deep winter. Remember to check out the Purchase Knob WebCam online for weather and views. To get to this park, take Exit 20, stay on 276 South for five miles. Get on Hemphill Road and stay on Hemphill Road for four miles. This review is dedicated to my daughter Sophie, a quick, beautiful trailblazer.

    Photos
    Purchase Knob
    Purchase Knob - Furbaby friendly

    Furbaby friendly

    Purchase Knob - Coral mushroom. Fall 2017.

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    Coral mushroom. Fall 2017.

    Riley Moore Falls

    Riley Moore Falls

    5.0(4 reviews)
    45.4 mi

    This is the best waterfall we got to visit in SC this far. After we left Reedy Branch Falls we…read moredrove here. Well, as close as we could get. I didn't realize that we couldn't drive all the way to the trailhead so we had a long hike in store due to me having to carry my toddler most of the time. I should have re-read the previous reviews before coming. My friend did help me carry her as well and for that I was very thankful. So definitely don't recommend this hike with a little one unless strapped in a carrier. Also, I don't recommend it for the elderly either. It's definitely a wilderness hike deal with roots and elevation change. In fact, it's mostly downhill on the way to the falls, but on the way back it's pretty much all uphill, which was not fun with aforementioned young child. It's about a half mile to the actual trailhead and then another 0.7 mile to the falls. That's about 2.4 miles round trip. The reason of course that my boys absolutely became enamored with this place is the large swimming hole. It is wonderful and has plenty of space. The waterfall itself is beautiful and although it's not as tall as others, its width is quite impressive. I was trying to get as close as I could and even noticed a hidden part of the falls inside of the rock structure. That was so cool!! The sand at the base and shore give it a beachy vibe. We definitely packed it in and out making sure not to leave anything behind as to preserve the area as best as possible. Needless to say we were wiped by the time we made it back to our vehicles, but we're still glad we decided to venture here. Coming back with my hubby and boys in the very near future. Happy yelping!

    I just wanted to update my 3/15/20 review below to add I've now done this hike several times, but…read moreTHIS time I had the chance to hike it with a friend who is directly related to the namesake of the waterfall... Riley Moore. Sandie is a church friend of mine and Riley Moore was her Great Great Uncle (I believe that's right). He once upon a time operated a grist mill here at the top of the falls. She's been trying to get here to see the waterfall, but couldn't find it and wanted to join us (along with her family) since I knew the way. Upon further research I discovered there are actually still remnants of the mill including visible drill holes, spikes and bolts. Thought that was pretty cool info to share! [ [ [ PREVIOUS REVIEW ] ] ] Riley Moore Falls is small in height but HUGE in personality. It's located off State Road S37-748, which is a nicely maintained gravel road where cars and trucks alike can comfortably traverse. ~~~ DIRECTIONS From Westminster, SC - DO NOT turn onto Cobb Bridge Road from Long Creek Hwy (Hwy 76) where you will see the brown & white sign pointing you in the direction of Riley Moore Falls. Our GPS had us go this way, then left onto State Road S37-748, but the road was CLOSED during our visit! INSTEAD, turn onto PU-32 also known as Rocky Fork Road. Turn left onto a gravel road near Rocky Fork Baptist Church and follow that until it dead ends @ State Road S37-748 (also known as Spy Rock Road). Turn right and drive approx. 1.4 miles (4 minutes) to 748c (aka Riley Moore Shoals Road). Park at the intersection of State Road S37-748 and 748c. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE 748c in a car or minivan. Low clearance vehicles will find the terrain on this road to be VERY difficult to navigate without bottoming out or getting stuck. I'd also recommend 4x4 capability on wet days! There can be several deep-pocketed muddy areas after heavy rains. ~~~ THE TRAIL Once you reach the intersection of Spy Rock Rd (S37-748) and 748c, park roadside on Spy Rock, secure your vehicle and begin your hike approx. 1/2 mile down the "primitive road." IF you have a high ground clearance SUV or truck, you can drive the primitive road another half mile or so to a second parking area near the trailhead. The primitive road is VERY BUMPY  and can be muddy in spots after heavy rains, so a 4x4 is best. After reaching the second parking area, follow the marked trail on the left!!! The trail is a little over a 1/2 mile to the falls from here. The trail is fairly straightforward and easy to follow. ~~~ THE FALLS Once you reach the Chauga River, you will notice a large sandy area with plenty of room for an entire horde of hikers!!! Riley Moore Falls is not very tall (only about 12 feet), but it is very wide and has a deep base pool. PRO TIP - Bring swimwear, towels and a picnic, but be sure to pack it in and pack it out. ~~~ THINGS TO KNOW Hiking Distance: 2 miles (round trip to falls from S37-748) Difficulty of hiking 748c: All downhill to trailhead (moderate return) Difficulty of hiking trail to falls: EASY Creek Crossings: NO Elevation Gain: 357 feet Waterfall Height: Approx 12 feet Access to top of falls: NO - not without getting wet Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES + sandy beach RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (along road) + secondary parking area closer to trailhead for trucks and high ground clearance vehicles with room for about 6 cars. ~~~ [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] A lovely waterfall in any season, but also a great spot for a summer swim. While we had the waterfall practically to ourselves during our Mid-March expedition, be advised other trail website reviews say it gets trashy & crowded in summer months. What a shame if that is true because it truly is a treasure. ENJOY! 2022 / 74 #UPDATE 178

    Photos
    Riley Moore Falls
    Riley Moore Falls - CREATED FROM GOOGLE MAPS

    CREATED FROM GOOGLE MAPS

    Riley Moore Falls

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    DuPont State Forest - hiking - Updated May 2026

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