Have you found yourself searching for waterfall hikes in North Carolina? There's nothing better than checking out a gorgeous waterfall, so why not enhance the experience by enjoying two at once? The 10,473-acre DuPont State Recreational Forest is a natural oasis home to rocky outcrops, rushing waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails to explore all there is to offer. You might even recognize waterfalls from the silver screen - they've been featured in films like The Hunger Games. When it comes to things to do in North Carolina, you've got no shortage of options, but a visit to DuPont State Forest is one of the dreamiest places to spend time with the family. To see two of the state's best waterfalls within one lovely park, follow this trail.
Welcome to DuPont State Recreational Forest! From the Hooker Falls access area off Stanton Road, hikers can access a convenient footbridge that leads them over the Little River and through an upstream trail. The Triple Falls Trail runs parallel to the river.
Once the trail bends to the right, it means you're close. When the trail takes a steep bend to the right, you'll ascend 1,000 feet to arrive at the stunning Triple Falls. Get ready to kick off your waterfall experience in one of the most beautiful places in our state.
Triple Falls was featured in the movie "Last Of The Mohicans" and is distinguished by the three unique cascades, which combine to create a 120-foot drop. No matter how many times you've stopped by, this locale will take your breath away.
To get fuel for your next hike, venture down to the picnic area at the base of the fall. Enjoy a nice lunch or simply take in the sights and sounds of rushing water and unique mountain scenery. It's easy to unwind here.
After your adventures and relaxation at Triple Falls, you'll start on the two-mile hike to High Falls by way of the Triple Falls Picnic Shelter.
Follow the High Falls Trail for two miles while taking time to appreciate unique scenery along the way. Bring along your camera, as you'll surely want to snap a few photos of this marvelous outdoor adventure in North Carolina.
High Falls cascades a total of 120 feet atop a granite rock face. Depending on rain patterns and local weather, the waterfall itself is ever-changing. At times, the water is intimidatingly powerful. Other times, it features a more relaxed and gentle cascade.
One aspect that makes High Falls so exceptional is the fact when the water levels are low, visitors can skip from rock to rock or sit and rest along the base of the fall. Talk about an interactive natural experience.
High Falls is perfect for unique photo opportunities and certainly ranks as a must-visit waterfall in North Carolina. While our hike shows you two waterfalls, if you're looking for something lighter or traveling with small adventurers, High Falls can be accessed in a 0.5-mile hike from the High Falls access area. You can find the perfect trail for you and your group by checking out Alltrails+, which is a great tool for helping you navigate along the trails.
We think this is one of the best North Carolina hiking trails. No matter how you choose to experience this stunning area, you'll leave with a greater appreciation for our state's natural splendor.
This is such a beautiful hike that continually awards visitors with natural beauty at every bend. Have you explored DuPont State Recreational Forest before? Do you agree this is one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Share your memories and photos with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend other waterfalls in North Carolina by completing our official nomination form.
Can't get enough of the great outdoors? You'll want to check out our North Carolina nature bucket list.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!