If the DuPont State Forest is known for anything, it’s known for its beautiful and numerous waterfalls. The forest was also used in scenes for both The Last of The Mohicans (1992), and The Hunger Games (2012).
The park has six main falls, each unique and captivating in their own right. The first waterfall along Little River is the Bridal Veil Falls, which gets its name from the way it tumbles over an overhanging ledge, allowing you to walk along behind the waterfall! Next is High Falls, which pours 125 feet down a granite incline. The third waterfall along the river is in fact three falls in quick succession. Thus the name, Triple Falls. Collectively, the water drops 120 feet, in a energetic yet calming display of beauty. The fourth and final waterfall along the river is Hooker Falls, which only drops 12 feet, but is more than 50 feet wide, and absolutely gorgeous! After this final waterfall, the river runs into Cascade Lake.
There are two other waterfalls in the DuPont State Forest, both on the Grassy Creek. First is the Wintergreen Falls, getting its name from the teaberry groundcover, which stays green even during the winter. Wintergreen Falls is at the bottom of Grassy Creek Gorge, a 20 minute walk from the Guion Farm parking spot. Further down the stream is the lesser-known Grassy Creek Falls, not far from the mouth of Grassy Creek.
While the waterfalls of the DuPont State Forest are reason enough to visit, the 10,400 acre park has even more to offer. In the northeast corner of the park lies Stone Mountain, standing over 3,600 feet above sea level. From the top of the mountain you have a fantastic panorama view of the park, but you have a strenuous one thousand foot climb to the top from old CCC road, or a 500 foot climb from Sky Valley Road. There are five lakes in the forest, with lake Julia coming in as the largest, at 99 acres. 80 miles of roads and trails stretch through the park, for use by motorists, hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Hunting and fishing are allowed at the park, with certain restrictions & permit requirements. Visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website for more information.
Directions to the park and a map of the area can be found here.
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