High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls via the High Falls Loop

DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina is one of those places that earns its reputation. This hike alone takes in three major waterfalls within a few miles of each other, part of a larger collection scattered throughout the forest, all connected by well-maintained trails and scenery that rewards the effort at every turn. It is also one of the more popular waterfall destinations in western North Carolina, so plan accordingly. Weekends in summer fill the parking lots early and the trails stay busy throughout the day.

We started from the High Falls Access Area, which also serves as the forest's visitor center. From here the High Falls Loop heads east through a canopy of hardwoods and rhododendron on a well-groomed crushed gravel path. Not far from the trailhead, the Covered Bridge Trail splits off to the right. It is a short detour and worth taking. The covered bridge sits just above High Falls and makes for a nice stop before you even reach the first waterfall.

High Falls is the first major stop and the largest of the three, a 150-foot cascade down an inclined granite face. Standing at the overlook, the scale of it is immediately impressive. On a previous visit I took the Base of Falls spur trail down to the river, and I would strongly recommend doing so if time and energy allow. Getting close enough to feel the mist and hear the full force of the water is a different experience entirely from the overlook alone. It is a worthwhile side quest, just be prepared for crowds on a weekend. On this trip we passed it by and continued on, but it stayed on my mind.

From High Falls, the Triple Falls Trail continues downstream along the Little River. Triple Falls lives up to its name, three distinct drops over a total of 120 feet, each with its own character. The overlook gives a good view of the falls. There is normally a staircase leading down to a rock platform between the tiers for a closer look, but as of my visit those steps remained closed and fenced off after sustaining damage during Hurricane Helene, with repairs still pending. Even from the overlook, the variety of the three separate cascades makes it feel like more than just one waterfall. It is the kind of place that stops you mid-stride.

By the time we reached the Hooker Falls parking area, the light drizzle that had been following us turned into a proper downpour with some thunder rolling through. We took shelter for a few minutes and waited it out. The rain had barely slowed anyone else down. Hooker Falls was by far the busiest stop of the day, with a crowd of swimmers in the pool below the falls who seemed entirely unfazed by the weather. Hooker Falls itself is a compact 12-foot drop, wide and symmetrical, spilling into a deep pool that is clearly a summertime favorite. As a waterfall it is the least dramatic of the three, but the setting is enjoyable and the swimming area makes it a destination in its own right.

With the storm passing and some humidity settling in, we made our way back up to the High Falls trailhead. The final climb is the most demanding stretch of the hike, gaining a few hundred feet over the last mile and a half. Having some company along made a real difference. My four youngest children were hiking with me, and the conversation kept the pace honest without letting anyone slow to a stop. Even so, it is a climb that earns your attention. Take your time and you will be fine.

All in all this is one of the better waterfall hikes in the region. The variety of the three falls, the covered bridge, the well-marked trails, and the option to extend the experience at the base of High Falls make it a full day even if the crowds test your patience at times. This was a different experience from my last visit, when I started from the lower parking area. Beginning at the top meant saving the big climb for the end, but it also meant ending on a high note with the most rewarding falls already behind us.

If you have extra time and energy, Looking Glass Falls makes a worthy side trip. It sits a bit beyond Brevard, so it is out of the way rather than on the route home, but it is a roadside waterfall with parking right off the highway and a view that requires no hiking at all. Steps lead down to the base if you want a closer look. On this visit I enjoyed it from above and it was still well worth the extra drive.