Have you found yourself searching for waterfall hikes in North Carolina? There’s nothing better than checking out a gorgeous waterfall, so why not enhance the experience by enjoying two at once? The 10,473-acre DuPont State Recreational Forest is a natural oasis home to rocky outcrops, rushing waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails to explore all there is to offer. You might even recognize waterfalls from the silver screen – they’ve been featured in films like The Hunger Games. When it comes to things to do in North Carolina, you’ve got no shortage of options, but a visit to DuPont State Forest is one of the dreamiest places to spend time with the family. To see two of the state’s best waterfalls within one lovely park, follow this trail.

Welcome to DuPont State Recreational Forest! From the Hooker Falls access area off Stanton Road, hikers can access a convenient footbridge that leads them over the Little River and through an upstream trail. The Triple Falls Trail runs parallel to the river.
AllTrails/Steve Cline
Once the trail bends to the right, it means you're close. When the trail takes a steep bend to the right, you'll ascend 1,000 feet to arrive at the stunning Triple Falls. Get ready to kick off your waterfall experience in one of the most beautiful places in our state.
Triple Falls was featured in the movie "Last Of The Mohicans" and is distinguished by the three unique cascades, which combine to create a 120-foot drop. No matter how many times you've stopped by, this locale will take your breath away.
Flickr / Angi English
To get fuel for your next hike, venture down to the picnic area at the base of the fall. Enjoy a nice lunch or simply take in the sights and sounds of rushing water and unique mountain scenery. It's easy to unwind here.
Flickr/vgm8383

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After your adventures and relaxation at Triple Falls, you'll start on the two-mile hike to High Falls by way of the Triple Falls Picnic Shelter.
Flickr / berlyjen
Follow the High Falls Trail for two miles while taking time to appreciate unique scenery along the way. Bring along your camera, as you'll surely want to snap a few photos of this marvelous outdoor adventure in North Carolina.
High Falls cascades a total of 120 feet atop a granite rock face. Depending on rain patterns and local weather, the waterfall itself is ever-changing. At times, the water is intimidatingly powerful. Other times, it features a more relaxed and gentle cascade.
Flickr/Daniel Grogan
One aspect that makes High Falls so exceptional is the fact when the water levels are low, visitors can skip from rock to rock or sit and rest along the base of the fall. Talk about an interactive natural experience.
Flickr / Matthew
High Falls is perfect for unique photo opportunities and certainly ranks as a must-visit waterfall in North Carolina. While our hike shows you two waterfalls, if you're looking for something lighter or traveling with small adventurers, High Falls can be accessed in a 0.5-mile hike from the High Falls access area. You can find the perfect trail for you and your group by checking out Alltrails+, which is a great tool for helping you navigate along the trails.
Flickr / QTRflash
We think this is one of the best North Carolina hiking trails. No matter how you choose to experience this stunning area, you'll leave with a greater appreciation for our state's natural splendor.

This is such a beautiful hike that continually awards visitors with natural beauty at every bend. Have you explored DuPont State Recreational Forest before? Do you agree this is one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina? Share your memories and photos with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend other waterfalls in North Carolina by completing our official nomination form.

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? You’ll want to check out our North Carolina nature bucket list.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me

Sophie Boudreau | July 13, 2022

Are there any other must-visit waterfalls in North Carolina?

We've filled you in on an awesome double waterfall trail in the state, but you'll be glad to know that you can expand your love of waterfalls into a full-blown getaway by checking out our North Carolina waterfall road trip. Along this route, you'll have the chance to check out sites like Crabtree Falls, Cove Creek Falls, and Dry Falls. It's easy to fall in love with North Carolina when you embark on an adventure like this one.

What are some of the other best waterfall hikes in North Carolina?

While DuPont State Recreational Forest offers plenty of ways to experience waterfall beauty, there's another waterfall trail in North Carolina that deserves a spot on your natural bucket list. Some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina can be checked out on this scenic loop drive through the state. The drive takes just 4.5 miles to complete, but it offers stops at some of the prettiest waterfall trails in the region -- so bring along your hiking boots and get ready to explore.

Where can I find kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina?

Waterfall trails are spectacular, but they might not always be doable for younger (and more fatigue-prone) hikers. Luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina, many of which measure in at one mile or under. While they can't all promise access to waterfalls, they do offer the chance to appreciate fresh air with the entire family in tow. These seven selections will have the whole crew smiling.

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Featured Addresses
DuPont State Recreational Forest, Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, USA