Grassy Creek Falls – DuPont State Forest – 2024 Hiking Guide

A 2.6-mile out-and-back hike to a gentle cascading waterfall in DuPont State Forest.

Discover everything you need to know before embarking on your hike to Grassy Creek Falls in DuPont State Forest. From parking tips to trail details and what to expect along the way, this comprehensive guide shares all.

A view upstream of Grassy Creek Falls in DuPont State Forest.

Grassy Creek Falls Quick Facts

Trailhead location: DuPont State Forest – High Falls Access

Trail length: 2.6 miles out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation change: ~150 ft

Distance from downtown Asheville: 40 miles

Drive time from downtown Asheville: 1 hour

Trail Condition: The trail is a well-maintained gravel and dirt trail.

About The Trail

Grassy Creek Falls is one of the less visited waterfalls in DuPont State Forest. This makes for an uncrowded trail and a peaceful visit to the waterfall.

Unlike some of the other waterfalls in DuPont, Grassy Creek is a gently cascading waterfall that slides down a sloped rock face.

There are several options for hiking to Grassy Creek Falls. Below you’ll find details on the out-and-back trail to the waterfall from the High Falls Access Area.

What To Expect On The Trail

Steps on the Grassy Creek Falls Trail in DuPont State Forest.

The Grassy Creek Falls hike follows easy to moderately difficult trails.

The trails used are primarily wide and well-maintained dirt and gravel paths. Near the end of the hike, the trail narrows and becomes more rocky as it descends to the waterfall.

Along the way, you will pass through the lush forest and cross DuPont State Forest’s covered bridge.

Want to experience more of DuPont? Check out our three waterfalls hiking guide that details how to visit High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls in one outing.

Directions To DuPont State Forest’s High Falls

You can access Grassy Creek Falls trail via the High Falls Access Area. See below for details on how to get there.

The High Falls Trail trailhead is at the High Falls Access Area in DuPont State Forest. DuPont State Forest can be accessed from the Hendersonville or Brevard directions.

Follow US 64 toward Penrose

Turn South onto Crab Creek Road

Turn onto DuPont Road following signs for DuPont State Forest

Follow the road for about 4 miles before turning left into the High Falls Access Area parking lot

Parking for the Grassy Creek Falls Hike

The hike to Grassy Creek Falls begins at the High Falls Access Area. A large parking lot is available in this area, but it can fill up. We always recommend going early in the morning during peak season (by 9 am) to avoid crowds.

You will also find the DuPont State Forest Visitor Center and restrooms located at this access area.

Grassy Creek Falls Hike

The trails offer a peaceful hike to a picturesque waterfall. Along the way, you will follow portions of Buck Forest Road, High Falls Loop, Covered Bridge Trail, Lake Imaging Road and Grassy Creek Falls Trail.

The hike to Grassy Creek Falls is easy to moderate in difficulty. The majority of the hike is relatively easy with some moderate sections near the waterfall.

The out-and-back distance to Grassy Creek Falls from the High Falls Access Area is 2.6 miles.

Grassy Creek Falls Trailhead

The trailhead begins at the High Falls Access Area. Follow the path along the parking lot to Buck Forest Road. You will see a vehicle gate with a space for hikers to pass on the right.

Be sure to grab a map of DuPont National Forest from the Visitor Center.

Hike to Grassy Creek Falls

The trail to Grassy Creek Falls is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to the beautiful secluded waterfall.

From the High Falls Access Area follow the path east along the parking lot past the High Falls Trailhead information board to Buck Forest Road.

You will see a vehicle gate on the gravel road with a space for hikers to pass on the right. Pass through the gate and follow Buck Forest Road until you see a sign for High Falls Loop on the left.

Turn left onto the High Falls Loop and follow it a short distance until you see a sign for Covered Bridge Trail on the Right. (You can also stay straight on Buck Forest Road, but the Covered Bridge Trail is a nicer hiking path.)

Take the Covered Bridge Trail to the end where you will reach Buck Forest Road again at the Covered Bridge.

The covered bridge across the Little River makes for a great photo op along the hike. You will see the Little River below as you cross the bridge. At this location, you are just upstream of High Falls.

After crossing the covered bridge, continue on Buck Forest Road making sure to stay left at the next fork. The gravel road continues to meander through trees as you hike along toward Grassy Creek Falls.

Curious about the covered bridge? It’s an interesting part of DuPont State Recreational Forest’s history. The covered bridge was originally built as part of a larger development plan to create a residential community centered around the waterfalls. Luckily, the State of North Carolina invoked eminent domain and acquired the 2200-acre tract in 2000.

As you approach your next turn onto Lake Imaging Road you will cross another, albeit less extravagant, wooden bridge.

On the other side of the bridge, you will come to another fork in the road. Take a left following the signs for Lake Imaging Road and Grassy Creek Falls Trail.

Follow this gravel road for about 0.1 miles before turning left onto Grassy Creek Falls Trail. Keep an eye out for the trail sign as it can be obstructed by foliage in summer.

Follow the trail as it dives into dense forest and descends to the waterfall. At the end of the trail, you will see steps leading down to the waterfall’s edge.

At this point, you are about halfway down the falls. You can explore along the bank of the river but beware that rocks will be slick. This is a great spot to picnic or just sit and take in the nature surrounding you.

Once you’ve spent some time at the waterfall, retrace your steps back to the High Falls Access Area parking lot.

Know Before You Go

The parking lot at the High Falls Access Area can fill up so try to arrive early during peak seasons.

Use caution when exploring the waterfall area as rocks can be slick. Never try to climb to the top of the waterfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Grassy Creek Falls out-and-back hike in DuPont State Forest?

The out-and-back hike from the High Falls Access Area to Grassy Creek Falls is about 2.6 miles.

Is Grassy Creek Falls a good hike for kids?

The Grassy Creek Falls Trail is a good hike for children with easy to moderate trail difficulty and a relatively short hike at 2.6 miles.

Are dogs allowed in DuPont State Forest?

Yes, dogs are allowed in DuPont State Forest. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Where do you park for the Grassy Creek Falls in DuPont State Forest?

The closest parking to Grassy Creek Falls is the High Falls Access Area Parking Lot. Grassy Creek Falls can also be accessed relatively easily from the Hooker Falls Access Area and the Lake Imaging Access Area.

Are there restrooms at the trailhead for the Grassy Creek Falls hike?

Yes, there are restrooms at the DuPont State Forest High Falls Access Area where the Grassy Creek falls hike begins.

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