THE EARNEST TRAVELER
DuPont State Recreational Forest, south of Asheville near Brevard, holds three of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Blue Ridge — and you can see all of them on one free, moderate hike. Two of them may look familiar from the movies.
The Three Waterfalls Hike
The classic loop runs about 4.5 miles round trip along the Little River and links all three falls. It's moderate — some gentle climbing, well-marked trails — and doable for most fit walkers. There's no entrance fee to the forest.
Hooker, Triple & High Falls
Hooker Falls is a wide, 12-foot drop into a deep pool that doubles as a popular summer swimming hole. Triple Falls tumbles down three consecutive tiers — the one you've seen on screen. High Falls, the forest's tallest at 120 feet, spills past a rustic covered bridge that makes the classic viewpoint.
The Hollywood Connection
Triple Falls served as a filming location for The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. Standing at the base, the setting is instantly recognizable — and a fun payoff on an already scenic hike.
Planning the Visit
DuPont is popular on summer weekends; arrive early for parking at the main access areas. Trails can be muddy after rain, and the rocks near the falls are slick — stay on marked paths and behind railings. Bring water; there's little shade on the open stretches.
DuPont sits near Brevard and the waterfall-rich edge of Pisgah National Forest — including roadside Looking Glass Falls. It's easy to string several falls into one day on this side of Asheville.
Grippy footing and water make the loop comfortable.