High Falls Trail – DuPont State Forest – 2024 Hiking Guide
The hike to the base of High Falls is a 2-mile out-and-back in DuPont State Forest with a beautiful 150-foot waterfall.
Discover everything you need to know before embarking on your High Falls adventure in DuPont State Forest. From parking tips to trail details and what to expect along the way, this comprehensive guide shares all.
High Falls Quick Facts
Trailhead location: DuPont State Forest – High Falls Access
Trail length: 0.5 miles to the overlook and an additional 0.5 miles to the base of the falls. The total distance is 2-mile out-and-back to the base of the falls. You can also add Triple Falls for a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike.
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.
What You’ll Find In This Article
About The Trail
High Falls is one of the crown jewels of North Carolina’s DuPont State Forest known for its breathtaking waterfalls. It’s the tallest waterfall in DuPont.
There are several options for hiking to High Falls. Below you’ll find details on the out-and-back trail to the waterfall from the High Falls Access Area and a loop trail that passes Triple Falls.
What To Expect On The Trail
The High Falls Trail is a moderate-difficulty trail. The trail is primarily dirt and gravel and is wide and well-maintained.
The trail offers an enjoyable hike through dense forest before reaching the Little River, home to the awe-inspiring 150-foot High Falls.
While you won’t find long-range mountain views on the High Falls trail, the idyllic setting and magnificent waterfalls make it a top destination for hikers.
Want to experience more of DuPont? Check out our three waterfalls trail guide that details how to visit High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls in one outing.
Directions To DuPont State Forest’s High Falls
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 at the High Falls Trailhead
The High Falls trailhead is located at the High Falls Access Area. A large parking lot is available in this area, but be aware that it can fill up.
Not only does the parking lot fill up, but the trails get very crowded too! 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.
High Falls Hiking Trail
The trail to High Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Western NC. It is known for its picturesque 150-foot waterfall cascading down a granite rock face with high water flow.
The High Falls Trail is moderate in difficulty with a total length of 2 miles out and back if you hike straight to the base of the falls and retrace your path back. There is also a longer 2.5-mile loop trail that takes you to Triple Falls. Both trails are detailed below.
High Falls Trailhead
The trailhead for the High Falls Trail is located at the furthest end of the parking lot from the entrance gate. You will find the start of the trail just past the High Falls Trailhead information board.
Be sure to grab a map of DuPont National Forest from the Visitor Center.
High Falls Trail
The trail to the base of High Falls is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to one of North Carolina’s most visited waterfalls.
The first section of the trail passes through the forest with several curves in the trail. Be sure to follow the signs for High Falls.
After about 1/2 mile you will reach the High Falls overlook with handrails on the right side of the trail. You will have a bird’s eye view of the waterfall from above at this point.
After stopping for a photo op and to take in the view, continue following the trail downhill. You will reach a fork in the trail after a quarter of a mile. Follow the fork to the right where the sign points to ‘Base of Falls.’
From here, you are just a quarter of a mile from the base of the falls. You will see caution signs as you reach the base of the falls.
You will climb over fallen trees and boulders as you walk along the riverbank to get a better view of the falls.
From this point, you can retrace your path back to the trailhead (~1 mi) or continue on the loop to Triple Falls.
Option to continue hiking to Triple Falls (2.5-mile loop)
If you want to continue hiking on to Triple Falls, retrace your steps back to the main trail and then follow signs to the right for the Triple Falls Trail.
The Trail will meander along the river for about 1/2 mile until you see a trail spur to the right that leads to stairs going downhill. Follow the stairs to the river’s edge.
At this location, you are at the top of the lower section of Triple Falls. The viewpoint is amazing and you can hear and feel the power of the water rushing by.
This area is roped off to prevent anyone from accessing the water.
After enjoying Triple Falls, follow the stairs back to the main trail and retrace your steps until you see the signs for High Falls Loop.
You can choose to veer to the right at the fork to complete the loop or follow the path you came to have one last look at High Falls on the way back to the trailhead. Both legs of the loop are approximately the same distance.
The path to the right travels through the woods but doesn’t offer too much of interest so we typically opt to pass back by High Falls.
Know Before You Go
The waterfall trails in DuPont State Forest can get busy so be sure to hit the trail early to beat the crowds!
Use caution when exploring the waterfall area as rocks can be slick. Never try to climb to the top of the waterfall.
Hiking High Falls WIth Kids
Speaking from experience, the High Falls trail is kid-friendly but we have a few notes that may help!
The trail has a few steep sections so you’ll want to be sure your kids are up for it. If you take young kids be prepared to carry them or let them ride in a backpack.
It’s a great hike for bigger kids who have trail experience. The waterfall offers the kind of reward that will have your kids wanting to go on more hikes.
Note: while the waterfall is a great place to take a break during the hike, be careful with kids climbing around the rocks as they can be slippery.
The trail to the waterfall is downhill so getting there is relatively easy with kids. The way back to the parking lot can be a drag, though. There are a lot of uphill sections so be sure to bring snacks and water to stay fueled while on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
The out-and-back trail to the base of High Falls is about 2 miles.
The High Falls Loop trail is approximately 2.5 miles including trail spurs to the High Falls and Triple Falls waterfalls.
The High Falls Trail is a great hike for children with experience hiking. Be prepared to carry younger kids as the trail has some relatively steep sections. Also, bring plenty of snacks because you’ll want to spend time at the waterfall.
Yes, dogs are allowed in DuPont State Forest. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There is a large parking lot at the High Falls Access Area. It can fill up during peak travel times, especially on weekends.
Yes, there are restrooms at the High Falls Access Area in DuPont State Forest.
