About Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest)
Hooker Falls is a broad, 12-foot drop on the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest, between Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is short, wide and an easy walk from the Hooker Falls Access Area, which makes it the family-friendly start of the forest's waterfall trail. It is not in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so there is no parking tag.
The walk
A wide, mostly level path leads from the lot to the falls in about a third of a mile. Trails here are shared with bikes and horses, so keep to the right and watch for traffic. The river spreads across a rocky shelf and falls into a pool, and in late winter and spring the water is a broad, even curtain. Many people use Hooker Falls as the first stop on the longer walk to Triple Falls and High Falls; the forest website has trail maps.
Getting there
The Hooker Falls Access Area is off Staton Road near US-64 between Brevard and Cedar Mountain. From Gatlinburg, plan for about 2.5 hours. Parking is limited, and weekends and fall color season fill the lot early, so arrive in the morning.
When to go
- Spring: The fullest, loudest water.
- Summer: Popular; start early.
- Fall: Good color; busy weekends.
- Winter: Quiet, with icy steps and rock.
Know before you go
Do not climb the rocks or step out onto the ledge. The forest has had several fatalities at its waterfalls. Dogs are allowed on leash. During hunting season, wear bright colors, and check the forest website for any seasonal notices. Cell service is limited.
Good to know
- How tall is Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest)?
- Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest) drops about 12 feet.
- How far is the hike to Hooker Falls (DuPont State Forest)?
- It is about 0.3 miles each way, rated easy.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
