Located a few miles from Sherwood Forest, this NC recreational area features 10,400 acres of natural forest, six beautiful waterfalls, nearly 80 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The two largest and most popular waterfalls are Triple Falls, where the movie “The Hunger Games” was filmed in 2012, and High Falls. You can access them from the Hooker Falls parking area on Stanton Road. Triple Falls is about a 10 minute walk upstream and High Falls is about 15 minutes farther upstream on moderate terrain.
A hike or mountain bike across exposed granite domes to the top of Cedar Rock Mountain reveals a brilliant panoramic view. A more strenuous hike is the “long route” up to Stone Mountain, Dupont’s highest peak at 3620′. Elevation gain on this hike is 1100′. There is also a shorter route with an elevation gain of 600′ but the trail is still steep. The top of the mountain offers 180 degree views in the summer and 360 degree views in the winter of the Pisgah range, Mount Mitchell, downtown Hendersonville and more.
Tour de Falls, held in May, is a 12 mile shuttle bus tour to Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Julia. Tour guides on each bus will provide information on the history of the area and the ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of this beautiful forest. Tour de Falls is an annual event sponsored by Friends of Dupont Forest, a non-profit organization that works to enhance public use and enjoyment of the Forest while protecting its natural resources.