Asheville TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
DuPont State Forest

Hooker Falls

Hike the exceptionally short and easy Hooker Falls Trail to an exceptionally beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, NC.

georgia hiking trails: 0-2 miles .6 miles
(round trip)
? Your mileage may vary! Accuracy of your GPS device, weather conditions, and stops along your route will affect your own recorded distance.
georgia hiking trails: easyeasy to
moderate
?Our difficulty estimate, based on distance, terrain, elevation change, & ease of wayfinding. May vary daily due to weather, trail reroutes, downed trees, etc.
georgia hiking trails: dog-friendly Dog-
friendly
?Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Check out more of our favorite dog-friendly trails near Asheville for a great hike with your pup.

LOCATION:DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC

PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list

OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 780 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.)

North Carolina’s Transylvania County is considered the “land of waterfalls,” thanks to the abundance of exceptionally beautiful waterfalls set in the county’s beautiful, rolling forests. And without a doubt, Hooker Falls is one of the county’s most popular waterfalls, well loved for its photogenic beauty, short hike, and cool swimming hole below the falls.

Hooker Falls is beautiful: it’s a wide, symmetrical, single-cascade waterfall, the last in a series of four on the Little River in DuPont State Forest. Below the falls, the river pools in a deep, wide basin that’s one of the summertime’s most popular swimming holes near Brevard, NC.

Hooker Falls at DuPont State Forest

This is not a long hike, but it’s definitely rewarding. Whether you’re craving a refreshing, chilly-water waterfall swim, chasing waterfalls, or just looking for a beautiful, scenic picnic spot, this waterfall is worth a visit.

Hike the exceptionally short and easy Hooker Falls Trail to an exceptionally beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, NC. #hiking #asheville #nc #northcarolina #travel #outdoors #adventure

Hooker Falls: the hike

The hike begins at the large Hooker Falls / Triple Falls trailhead and parking area at Dupont State Forest (view maps and driving directions). At the trailhead, facing the bridge over the Little River, the hike departs to the right, walking southwest and following the river downstream.

The trail follows a wide gravel road, meandering along the river’s contours in a forest of rhododendron and hemlock. The Little River flows trailside, tumbling over a rocky bed littered with large stones and small boulders.

Hooker Falls at DuPont State Forest

The hike reaches an overlook at .25 mile, catching a side view of the spilling falls. Hooker Falls cascades down a dozen feet from a level, stair-stepped cliff, tumbling onto a flat, level rock outcrop below.

The trail departs the overlook and continues its northwest journey, hiking to a wide, open area just below the falls. Large, level, blocky rocks with fractures filled with soft green grasses make a great place to hang out and enjoy the waterfall’s beauty.

Hooker Falls at DuPont State Forest

After a quick dip, the hike retraces its outbound steps to the trailhead, completing the adventure at just over a half mile.

Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim above, or jump from any waterfall. And please pack out everything you packed in to help keep DuPont State Forest beautiful.



More waterfall hikes at DuPont State Forest

In the mood to chase some more beautiful waterfalls? From this same trailhead, cross the bridge to hike the Triple Falls Trail to a stunning trio of waterfalls that were a filming location for The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. Or, for even more waterfall-filled adventures, hike the DuPont State Forest Waterfalls Hike, visiting Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls on the Little River.

And if you’re up for some more stunning views of cascades without a long hike, check out our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville under two miles. They’re short on distance but big on beauty, and they’re great for beginners and families, too.


 
Leave No Trace: Atlanta Trails, Asheville Trails and Trailful are official Leave No Trace partners

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.

Hooker Falls Trail at DuPont State Forest Map, Directions & Details

This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route.

Love the trail?

This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Friends of DuPont State Forest. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use!

Driving Directions



Parking

Free parking is available at the trailhead. Check the DuPont State Forest website for hours and closures.


GPS Coordinates

35.202017, -82.620033     //     N35 12.121 W82 37.202

Elevation Profile

Hooker Falls Trail at DuPont State Forest: Elevation Profile
 

Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. His mission? To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty.