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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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