Dupont State Forest: 1 Day Itinerary

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Welcome to Dupont State Forest, your next favorite hiking spot in North Carolina! This beautiful area is a true gem, boasting stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and a variety of trails. Picture yourself wandering along paths that lead to the impressive High Falls or the peaceful shores of Hooker Falls. This park is the perfect spot to spend a day outdoors, enjoy some fresh air, and create wonderful memories. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready for another North Carolina waterfall adventure in Dupont State Forest.

Entrance Fee:

FREE

Lodging:

Camping is not allowed in Dupont State Forest. However, Dupont Yurts and Campground, located just minutes from the park, offers tent camping, RV sites, and yurts. For additional camping and hotel options, you can visit the city of Brevard, just 12 miles away.

Dining:

There are no food options within the park, but there are shelters and picnic areas if you bring in your own food. The city of Brevard will have your closest food options.

Know Before You Go:

The park is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Swimming within 300 feet of the waterfalls is prohibited.
All trails are shared with hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Familiarize yourself with yield rules- hikers yield to equestrians, and bikers yield to equestrians and hikers.
Dogs, on leash, are allowed on all hiking trails within the state forest.
I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for trails on this itinerary, especially if you are unsure of the route you’d like to take to and from High Falls. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.

1 Day Itinerary

Hooker Falls

Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: +100 ft

Trail Access: Park in the Triple Falls Lot via Staton Road.

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash

Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes

The trailhead for Hooker Falls is located in the Upper Lot, just north of the restrooms. It’s a gradual downhill 0.4-mile walk to the shore of the Little River, where you’ll find the waterfall, which is 14 feet tall and over 70 feet wide. Along the shoreline, there are large rocks perfect for sitting and watching the water cascade over the wide ledge. On your way back to the parking area, be sure to visit the Hooker-Moore Cemetery, accessible via a short spur trail and featuring gravestones dating back to the 1850s.

High Falls/Triple Falls

Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back with 2 spur trails to the base of each of the falls

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 300+ ft

Trail Access: Park in the Triple Falls Lot via Staton Road

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.

Restroom at Trailhead: Yes

After returning to the parking lot from Hooker Falls, head toward the bridge on the opposite side of the lot and follow the trail along the river to Triple Falls. Once you cross the bridge, continue along the river for 0.2 miles until you reach a trail junction. At this point, veer left and stick to the path that hugs the shoreline. In another 0.1 miles, you will arrive at the base of Triple Falls. Although you can only see the bottom tier from here, it is still a breathtaking sight and well worth the short trek!

After taking in the views at the base of Triple Falls, retrace your steps back to the trail junction. This time, take the other path that leads up a steep gravel hill. About halfway up, you will be rewarded with stunning views of all three tiers of the 125-foot Triple Falls. Continue up the hill, and at the top, stay straight at the next trail junction. Follow the fencing and path that runs parallel to the gorge.

In 0.4 miles, you will come to another junction. Turn left to take the short 0.2-mile path down to the base of High Falls. This impressive 120-foot waterfall cascades down a massive granite wall. If you decide to approach the base of the falls, please exercise caution, as the route can be rocky and slick. However, the incredible views are worth the slow and cautious walk over!

After enjoying the breathtaking scenery at High Falls, retrace your steps back to the trail junction and continue left for a view of High Falls from the top in just another 0.1 miles. Once you have experienced the views from the High Falls Overlook, you have two options: retrace your steps back to the parking lot or take the loop trail through the forest. Retracing your steps will be a 1.1-mile hike back to the parking area, while the loop via the High Falls Trail is 1.3 miles back to your car.

If you choose to take the loop back, consider making a side trip to the High Falls Covered Bridge. This detour is a 0.4-mile round-trip trail with an additional 50 feet of elevation gain. You can’t go wrong with any of these routes; they all offer fantastic views. 😊

Have an incredible adventure!

Looking for another North Carolina park? Check out our Stone Mountain State Park post!