Dupont State Forest Waterfalls Best Hike

• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Length: 0.6 - 6 miles mi
• Trail Tread Condition: Some Obstacles
• Climb: Climbs Moderately
• Lowest Elevation: 2230 ft
• Highest Elevation: 2560 ft
• Total Elevation Gain: 120 ft
• Trails/Roads Used: Hooker Falls Road, Galax, Triple Falls, High Falls, Covered Bridge, Lake Imaging, Buck Forest Road, Grassy Creek Falls, Conservation Road, Joanna Road, Lake Dense, Bridal Veil Falls Road
• Hike Configuration: Partial loop, out-and-back
• Starting point: Hooker Falls Parking Area
• How to Get There: From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for Asheville Airport (exit 40). Head south (right) on NC 280 (4-lane highway) toward Brevard for 16 miles. Turn left on US 64 East and drive 3.7 miles. Turn right on Crab Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. The road will climb and change names to Staton Road, then begin a long downhill, at the bottom of which is the bridge over the Little River. The parking area is on the right just before the bridge. The trail to Triple and High Falls starts on the other side of the bridge.
  Directions on Google Maps

While the main part of this hike (to High Falls) is rated as Easy, there are two steep sections on the trail. Also, you may wish to extend your hike to Grassy Creek Falls and Lake Imaging which are near High Falls, making the hike Moderate overall. The total climb is about 120' to view of Triple Falls, another 120' to the overlook for High Falls, and 120' more to the highest point on the trail to Grassy Creek Falls (360' total); slightly higher for side hike to Lake Dense. Also, the length of 2 miles is only to High Falls and back. A breakdown of the total distances is as follows:

Length (round trips, total):

• 0.6 miles to Triple Falls
• 2.0 miles to High Falls
• 4.2 miles to Grassy Creek Falls (alone)
• 4.1 miles to Lake Dense (alone)
• 5.75 miles to Grassy Creek Falls and Lake Dense

This hike includes many points of interest at Dupont State Forest. You may turn around at any point or visit them all. While the first part of this easy, multi-faceted hike is perfect for families, or those wanting the quickest access to Dupont's best waterfalls, the second half is suitable for those wanting a more rigorous workout with plenty of scenic attractions such as a unique, long, sliding cascade or a side hike to a beautiful mountain lake. There is such a large network of trails at Dupont you will definitely want to have the map handy when you hike!

Section 1: To Triple Falls (Easy)
Begin by crossing the road bridge over the Little River, but stay on the right side of the road. Be very careful; this is a straight section of road and cars travel very fast. The DOT is planning on building a pedestrian bridge across the Little River, but for now, this is the only way across. Although the trail is signed on the left side of the road once you cross the bridge, and there are steps there as well, hop the guardrail and pick up the steps leading down the bank on the right. Walk down the steps, turn right, and go back under the bridge. Immediately turn right onto the Galax trail. This trail provides a more gentle ascent than its counterpart to the left, and even though it was built with mountain bikers and horseback riders in mind, it is a pleasant trail to walk. There are few obstacles though you may encounter some rocks or roots. You will round several switchbacks on the way up - please, do not shortcut them! The forest is young, with mixed hardwoods, a few pines and an understory of mainly mountain laurel. Also, look down at the forest floor itself. This trail is named for the round, shiny-leafed plant that covers parts of the ground - galax. This plant is popular as a Christmas decoration, as it retains its green color for a long time after it is picked. But don't pick it here - leave it for others to enjoy. You may find yourself with a citation if you decide to pick it, anyway.

At the top of this hill (the longest steady climb on the whole hike), you will be at the picnic shelter for Triple Falls - which, properly, has an excellent view of the falls! You can also head down the steps to the overlook on the Triple Falls Trail. If you want to access the base of the middle falls, turn right and then left onto the trail heading to the base (marked "to the falls"). Be VERY careful on the rocks; stay on the dry, flat areas and DO NOT climb the rocks or go into the water! Be sure to get a few snapshots, and maybe enjoy a picnic with the sound of the rushing water in the background. If you are turning around here, you have two options: head back down the Galax trail or take the Triple Falls trail which follows the river. This drops steeply at first, but then levels out and has some rocks and muddy/wet sections. Both trails come out back at the road bridge.

You may turn around here and return to your vehicle for an easy hike; however, continuing on to High Falls is highly recommended!

Section 2: To High Falls (Easy)
Go uphill on the trail from the overlook/picnic area and turn left onto the High Falls trail. This trail is mostly level, smooth and wide, with a few wet spots and a few rocks. The trail follows the Little River closely and it is amazing how calm and level it is between the two falls. At the next intersection bear right, to begin a moderate climb up to the High Falls overlook and picnic shelter. It's a spectacular sight once you reach the overlook. The water slides down a 150' high dome of rock, at several points launching itself into the air. Proceed past the overlook and you can take the set of steps to the right to reach the picnic shelter, again with a great view, or to the left on a narrow, rocky trail to reach the base of the falls. If you go to the base, be very careful on slippery rocks and do not try to climb the falls!

If you are turning around here, head back on the High Falls trail to Triple Falls. Either take the Galax trail or bear right past the overlook onto the Triple Falls trail. Both trails come out at the same place - the road bridge over the Little River.

You may turn around here and return to your vehicle for an easy hike, or continue on to the Covered Bridge.

Section 3: to the Covered Bridge over the Little River
If you wish to continue on to the Covered Bridge, where the trail splits for Grassy Creek Falls and Lake Dense, you can do so by going uphill on the right of the falls (either from the picnic area or the overlook, both trails go to the same place). Turn left on the Covered Bridge trail, then left again on the wide, graveled Buck Forest road to reach the covered bridge at the top of High Falls. Here, you get an interesting view of the calm, smooth river above the falls, and on the other side as it spills over the brink of High Falls.

Section 4: to Grassy Creek Falls (Moderate)
If you wish to continue on to Grassy Creek Falls, then cross the bridge, and at the intersection with Conservation Road on the other side, go straight on Buck Forest Road. The trail to Grassy Creek Falls is wide, smooth, and gently rolling. This was to be one of the main access roads in the gated development that would've had this area closed to the public. I have to give credit where credit is due, however. The developer did an excellent job of protecting the waterways in this area with anti-erosion controls; you can see them along this part of the hike. Soon you'll reach the intersection with the Lake Imaging trail just after crossing Grassy Creek on a big, sturdy, wooden vehicular bridge. Turn left here, slightly uphill. Walk just a short distance and then turn left onto the Grassy Creek Falls trail. This narrower trail descends to the middle of the falls and a viewing platform. Return to the bridge on the same path.

Section 5: To Lake Dense (Moderate)
The trail to Lake Dense was also planned to be a main road. If you returned to the bridge from Grassy Creek Falls, turn left on Conservation Road. If you came from High Falls, it will be a right on Conservation Road. The road is fairly level and travels along the river. At the intersection with Joanna Road, turn left and head uphill slightly. After several dozen yards, turn right on Lake Dense Trail. You'll emerge at the gem of a mountain lake at its dam. It is fed by the outflow of another, tiny lake - which is directly spring fed. The water is crystal-clear, and Joanna Mountain in the background makes for a spectacular scene. Bring your bathing suit - swimming is allowed and very inviting on a hot day! Hang out on the docks or perhaps enjoy a snack in the picnic shelter. You may also continue along the same trail through the pines to Lake Alford.

After you've seen enough - or you're forced to leave because of the time, like I always am - head back to the covered bridge, and then back on the same trails you hiked in on.