What can be better than a leisurely, stress-free hike that leads to four spectacular waterfalls in a matter of a few hours? If you’ve ever researched “waterfalls near me in North Carolina,” and you happen to live near Hendersonville, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy an easy-going hike when you step on the trails that lead to four waterfalls closely located to one another within the Dupont State Forest near Brevard and Hendersonville. Lace up your hiking boots, or just wear some comfortable shoes, and hit this 5.6-mile, four-waterfall trail hike in North Carolina.
The journey begins just off Station Road at either the Hooker Falls access area or the Triple Falls Parking lot.
alltrails.com
At the start of the scenic trails, you’ll reach a multi-directional sign at the end of a bridge. But hold off on crossing that bridge for now.
Google Maps/Mike Barton
Instead, head down the trail for Hooker Falls. In less than half a mile, you’ll find yourself in awe of this 15-foot tall roaring wonder that spans the entire width of the Little River.
Google Maps/Yisus B Better bring a towel along on this hike because there may be more than one spot where you’ll want to peel off your shoes and dip your toes in the cold mountain water. (Just be extra cautious of slippery rocks.)
When you’ve finished frolicking in the plunge pool at the base of Hooker Falls, head back up that short trail (it’s more like a skinny road) and cross over the bridge leading to Triple Falls.
alltrails/reuben garcia Most of this hike will seem more like a long walk through a scenic forest — because it is just that. But the trails are all well-traveled and you’ll appreciate the extra-roomy hiking path almost as much as the scenery.
After another half mile or so, you’ll reach the spectacular Triple Falls. Nothing quite compares to the three immediate drops of this 120-foot waterfall that drops and cascades down the mountain.
alltrails/James Smith Flat and smooth surfaces along the edge of the river make this an ideal spot to stop for a picnic lunch while enjoying the sights and sounds of Triple Falls before hitting the trail again to yet another natural wonder found within Dupont State Forest.
Using the map above, continue on the trail. The inside loop will lead to an overlook high above High Falls. This 125-foot waterfall rolls down a smooth granite face to a plunge pool at the base.
Google Maps/michael an Some people choose to wade in the edges of the lagoon at the base of High Falls, but it’s not advised. Rocks can be slippery and the sheer force of the water dropping 125 feet creates a possibly dangerous situation where visitors can be pulled underwater by the force of the flow - and held there.
For a closer look at High Falls, refer to the map above, and take the spur trail that follows along the river.
Google Maps/michael an You’ll end up at the base of this epic waterfall, staring up in wonder and likely seeking a safe spot, far from the plunge pool, to get your toes wet. After you’ve satisfied the urge using caution to stay far, far from the plunge pool, dry off and put your shoes back on; there’s one more must-see waterfall only a short distance away.
Pop over the High Falls Covered Bridge that crosses over the river just above the falls, and then continue on Buck Forest Road for nearly a mile before making a left on Lake Imaging Road.
alltrails/Erica W A few hundred yards ahead, you’ll see the Grassy Creek Falls Trail on the left. Take this short trail to see the last of the falls on this day trip hike.
Grassy Creek Falls in Duport Forest is often overlooked, but don’t skip this add-on to the other three popular waterfalls here.
Google Maps/Billy Osteen For starters, from the time you hit the trail, you’ll love the constant sound of rushing water. By the time you reach the waterfall, you’ll marvel at the gushing water over the large, granite outcropping. Sometimes, the water’s force is so great, there are even whitecaps on the smooth boulder!
If there were to be another trail marker in this section of the Dupont State Forest, it could easily say Four Waterfalls Trail. But until that happens, you’ll just need to follow the route of myriad trails mapped out in the map above. They’ll take you to all four of the fantastic falls on this waterfall trail hike in North Carolina.
alltrails.com
Google Maps/Mike Barton
Google Maps/Yisus B
Better bring a towel along on this hike because there may be more than one spot where you’ll want to peel off your shoes and dip your toes in the cold mountain water. (Just be extra cautious of slippery rocks.)
alltrails/reuben garcia
Most of this hike will seem more like a long walk through a scenic forest — because it is just that. But the trails are all well-traveled and you’ll appreciate the extra-roomy hiking path almost as much as the scenery.
alltrails/James Smith
Flat and smooth surfaces along the edge of the river make this an ideal spot to stop for a picnic lunch while enjoying the sights and sounds of Triple Falls before hitting the trail again to yet another natural wonder found within Dupont State Forest.
Google Maps/michael an
Some people choose to wade in the edges of the lagoon at the base of High Falls, but it’s not advised. Rocks can be slippery and the sheer force of the water dropping 125 feet creates a possibly dangerous situation where visitors can be pulled underwater by the force of the flow - and held there.
You’ll end up at the base of this epic waterfall, staring up in wonder and likely seeking a safe spot, far from the plunge pool, to get your toes wet. After you’ve satisfied the urge using caution to stay far, far from the plunge pool, dry off and put your shoes back on; there’s one more must-see waterfall only a short distance away.
alltrails/Erica W
A few hundred yards ahead, you’ll see the Grassy Creek Falls Trail on the left. Take this short trail to see the last of the falls on this day trip hike.
Google Maps/Billy Osteen
For starters, from the time you hit the trail, you’ll love the constant sound of rushing water. By the time you reach the waterfall, you’ll marvel at the gushing water over the large, granite outcropping. Sometimes, the water’s force is so great, there are even whitecaps on the smooth boulder!
We hope we’ve helped provide some inspiration if you’ve been wondering about “waterfalls near me in North Carolina.” For more information and other hiker reviews, learn more from this link on alltrails.com. Parking area address: Station Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28739.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Hendersonville, NC, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me in North Carolina August 16, 2021 Beth C. What are the most beautiful natural wonders in North Carolina? If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed by all of the splendors that North Carolina has to offer. From the breathtaking mountain peaks of Appalachia to the sprawling coastline, there’s simply no shortage of beautiful natural wonders in the Tar Heel State. Wondering where to start? Jockey’s Ridge is an excellent place to start. You might not associate sand dunes with the state of North Carolina, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Jockey’s Ridge. The tallest active sand dune on the East Coast, this destination is popular among hang-gliders and photographers. Who knew you could glimpse a little desert scenery in North Carolina? For more of a mountain landscape, head to Linville Gorge. Located along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, this breathtaking scenic overlook is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. What are some fun things to do in North Carolina? Still looking for fun things to do in North Carolina? How about a trip to Asheville? One of the coolest, quirkiest cities in the state, Asheville offers a little something for every kind of traveler. History buffs will want to sign up for a tour of the iconic Biltmore Estate, the nation’s largest privately-owned home. While you’re there, you’ll learn about the Vanderbilt legacy while touring a chateau-like mansion. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Asheville is home to countless breweries and pubs to explore. And finally, with quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll discover countless hiking trails to choose from.
The OIYS Visitor Center
waterfalls near me in North Carolina
August 16, 2021
Beth C.
What are the most beautiful natural wonders in North Carolina? If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed by all of the splendors that North Carolina has to offer. From the breathtaking mountain peaks of Appalachia to the sprawling coastline, there’s simply no shortage of beautiful natural wonders in the Tar Heel State. Wondering where to start? Jockey’s Ridge is an excellent place to start. You might not associate sand dunes with the state of North Carolina, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Jockey’s Ridge. The tallest active sand dune on the East Coast, this destination is popular among hang-gliders and photographers. Who knew you could glimpse a little desert scenery in North Carolina? For more of a mountain landscape, head to Linville Gorge. Located along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, this breathtaking scenic overlook is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. What are some fun things to do in North Carolina? Still looking for fun things to do in North Carolina? How about a trip to Asheville? One of the coolest, quirkiest cities in the state, Asheville offers a little something for every kind of traveler. History buffs will want to sign up for a tour of the iconic Biltmore Estate, the nation’s largest privately-owned home. While you’re there, you’ll learn about the Vanderbilt legacy while touring a chateau-like mansion. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Asheville is home to countless breweries and pubs to explore. And finally, with quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll discover countless hiking trails to choose from.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you consider yourself a nature enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed by all of the splendors that North Carolina has to offer. From the breathtaking mountain peaks of Appalachia to the sprawling coastline, there’s simply no shortage of beautiful natural wonders in the Tar Heel State. Wondering where to start? Jockey’s Ridge is an excellent place to start. You might not associate sand dunes with the state of North Carolina, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Jockey’s Ridge. The tallest active sand dune on the East Coast, this destination is popular among hang-gliders and photographers. Who knew you could glimpse a little desert scenery in North Carolina? For more of a mountain landscape, head to Linville Gorge. Located along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, this breathtaking scenic overlook is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina.
What are some fun things to do in North Carolina?
Still looking for fun things to do in North Carolina? How about a trip to Asheville? One of the coolest, quirkiest cities in the state, Asheville offers a little something for every kind of traveler. History buffs will want to sign up for a tour of the iconic Biltmore Estate, the nation’s largest privately-owned home. While you’re there, you’ll learn about the Vanderbilt legacy while touring a chateau-like mansion. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Asheville is home to countless breweries and pubs to explore. And finally, with quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll discover countless hiking trails to choose from.
