Waterfalls in Pisgah Forest and Dupont State Forest

Hooker Falls

Hooker Falls

Hooker Falls is a beautiful waterfalls that is about 15 feet high located in Dupont State Forest. It is an easy short walk (1/4 mile) from the parking lot to the falls. You will first come to an observation deck at the top of the falls. Then continue down hill on the trail to the basin of the falls. This is the only waterfall in DuPont State Forest that is safe for swimming and is very popular. You can also kayak from Cascade Lake up to the waterfall. Bring the family and have a picnic and swim in the basin of the falls.

There is a observation area above the falls, and you can continue on the trail to reach the base of the falls.

From Hooker Falls you can hike one mile to Triple Falls and 1.5 miles to High Falls.

There are porta johns at the parking area at Hooker Falls.  

Lakes that are suitable for swimming are Dense Lake (access it from the Visitor's Center) and Fawn Lake on the back side of Dupont Forest. Fawn Lake is remote and not easy to access.

DuPont State Recreational Forest Hours: 5:00a - 10:00p

Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls located in Pisgah Forest is accessibility to tourist. It is one of the most popular falls in Western North Carolina and can be seen from the road. You can take the steps to the bottom of the falls. The falls are 60 feet tall making it a very impressive natural structure. The name comes form Looking Glass Rock because when the water freezes on its sides in the winter it glistens in the sunlight like a mirror. Swimming is allowed but at your own risk.

Directions: Looking Glass Falls is located right off of U.S. 276. From Brevard, take U.S. 276 north, about 5 miles past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. The falls will be on your right.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock

Hours: 9:00a  -  8:00p, during season

Admission:
$3.00 per person
Children age 3 and under: Free

Sliding Rock is located in the PIsgah National Forest near Brevard. Sliding Rock is approximately 7.5 miles from the junction of US Hwy 64 and 276. Sliding Rock will be on your left. You will go pass Looking Glass Falls on the right. Take a plunge down the 60 foot slippery cascade into the 50-60 degree, 8 foot deep pool.

There are 2 observation platforms, and lifeguards on duty during the season. Bring some old shorts, tops, and old sneakers to wear when you take the plunge down Sliding Rock. It is like sliding down a waterfall.

Sliding Rock is staffed with a lifeguard beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Parking is somewhat limited, so go early. There are bathrooms and changing rooms which are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Triple Falls

Triple Falls

Triple Falls consists of three distinct cascades totalling about 120′ in vertical drop. Featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games, Triple Falls is about a seven minute walk from the Hooker Falls parking area.

To see this 120-foot tall waterfall, hike one mile roundtrip from the Hooker Falls parking area or 2.2 miles roundtrip from the High Falls parking area.

For a closer view of the falls go just past the overlook and you will see a trail that forks off to the left and heads down via a big staircase to a large rock below the top two falls and atop of the third falls. But no swimming or wading is allowed due to currents. And climbing rock faces is prohibited since it's very dangerous.

A picnic shelter is located near the falls trail. Pack a lunch and enjoy the view of the falls while eating or just snacking.

DuPont State Recreational Forest Hours: 5:00a - 10:00p

Read more: Triple Falls