Hooker Falls Trail – DuPont State Forest – 2024 Hiking Guide
The Hooker Falls Trail is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail to a picturesque waterfall and popular swimming hole.
This guide to DuPont State Forest’s Hooker Falls waterfall shares everything to know before your visit, from where to park to trail length and what to expect along the way.
Hooker Falls Quick Facts
Trailhead location: DuPont State Forest – Hooker Falls Access
Trail length: 0.8-mile out-and-back trail
Difficulty: easy
Elevation change: ~100 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
Hooker Falls is a wide 12-foot tall waterfall trail in DuPont National Forest with a large swimming hole.
The distance from the Hooker Falls Access Area Parking Lot to the base of the falls is about 0.4 miles.
It’s a popular spot to splash and swim in the water because of the short and easy trail available to access it.
Make a day of it! Check out nearby Triple Falls Trail and High Falls Trail to complete DuPont Forest’s Three Waterfalls Hike.
What To Expect On The Trail
The Hooker Falls Trail is an easy-difficulty trail with a little bit of elevation change. The trail is primarily a wide well-maintained gravel trail.
The trail meanders uphill through the forest before turning and leading downhill to the Little River and the base of the falls.
The trail culminates at the river with plenty of flat space and rocks to hang out on as well as a swimming hole at the base of the waterfall.
Want to experience more of DuPont? Check out our three waterfalls guide that details how to add two additional waterfall trails to your day at Hooker Falls.
Directions To DuPont State Forest’s Hooker Falls
The trailhead is found at the Hooker 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 a little over 3 miles before turning right into the Hooker Falls Access Area parking lot
Parking at the HOoker Falls Trailhead
There is a large parking lot and an overflow parking lot available. Be aware that both can fill up! This is especially true on weekends and during the summer when it’s hot out.
The parking lot at Hooker Falls also has restrooms, picnic tables and trash cans.
HOoker Falls Hiking Trail
The well-traveled Hooker Falls trail takes you to a very popular waterfall and swimming hole.
The Hooker Falls Trail is rated easy, with a total length of 0.8 miles out and back. After starting at the parking lot, the trail climbs gradually before descending down to the riverbank and waterfall.
You will have an excellent view of the waterfall that spans the entire river. You will probably see several people swimming if you go on a warm and sunny afternoon.
Hooker Falls Trailhead
The trailhead is located at the right side of the parking lot as you pull in. You’ll see a set of stairs that leads to the trailhead to the right of the restroom facilities. Continue to follow signs for Hooker Falls Trail — It is well-marked with signage.
Hooker Falls Trail
The trail is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads you right to the edge of the Little River at the base of Hooker Falls.
The trail is a wide gravel path that meanders through the forest. The first section of the trail climbs gently uphill before winding down to the waterfall and swimming area.
You will emerge in an open section near the end of the trail along the riverbank. The falls are located just upstream to your left.
Here you’ll find the primary attraction on the Hooker Falls Trail. There are sandy areas and large rocks that you can hang out on. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic!
You can rock-hop and dip your feet in the water here. If you feel like cooling off, you can swim in the large pool at the base of the waterfall.
After enjoying some time by the river, retrace your steps back uphill along the trail to the parking lot.
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 go around barricades or try to climb to the top of the waterfall.
Hiking Hooker Falls WIth Kids
The Hooker Falls Trail is a kid-friendly hike, especially for those wanting to cool off with a dip in the river.
The trail is wide and well-maintained and the short length makes it great for kids.
Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and sunscreen. It can get very sunny along the riverbank in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hooker Falls Trail is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to the base of the waterfall.
The Hooker Falls Trail is a good hike for children given the short length and easy difficulty rating. Kids love seeing the waterfall and splashing around in the water.
Yes, dogs are allowed in DuPont State Forest. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There is a large parking lot at the Hooker Falls Access Area.
Yes, there are restrooms at the Hooker Falls Access Area in DuPont State Forest.
