Three Waterfalls Hike – DuPont State Forest

Did you know that DuPont State Forest boasts multiple waterfalls, many of which can be accessed from a single parking lot? If you’d like to experience three unique waterfalls in one adventure, the Three Waterfalls Trail is a must-do.

This hike takes you to three of DuPont’s most popular waterfall hikes and includes time in a heavily shaded forest.

You’ll visit a local favorite swimming hole in DuPont, the famous three-tiered waterfall that served as a movie location for The Hunger Games and the tallest waterfall in DuPont State Forest.

This guide shares details on where to park, how to get to each waterfall and what to expect along the way. Each waterfall also has a dedicated guide linked below.

A large parking lot is available at the Hooker Falls access area. It’s a very popular trail, though, especially during the summer. The parking lot fills up accordingly.

We recommend going early in the morning during peak season (by 9 am) to avoid crowds. Cars come and go, though, so you can typically circle around and find a spot. It just may take a while!

You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables and trash cans by the main parking area.

The three waterfalls trail is actually three separate trails that combine for an enjoyable time in nature.

You’ll first visit Hooker Falls, which has a great swimming area if it’s warm out! You can even save Hooker Falls for your last waterfall of the day if you’d like to cool off after your adventure. If so, just start with the directions to Triple Falls + High Falls and plan to visit Hooker Falls last.

There are sandy areas and large rocks that you can hang out on. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic!

After enjoying some time by the river, retrace your steps back uphill along the trail to the parking lot.

Next Up: Triple Falls

Once you are back to the parking lot, look across from where the restrooms are located. You’ll see a pedestrian bridge here that takes you to the Triple Falls trail.

To get to the waterfall, take the pedestrian bridge over the Little River. The trail will continue along the Little River with access points to explore. You will then pass under the Staton Road Bridge.

After about a quarter of a mile, the trail will turn to the right and then proceed up a steep uphill section. Don’t miss the lookout area at the top of the hill!

Make sure to check out our guide to Triple Falls Trail for everything to know about this trail and the various overlooks.

Next Up: High Falls

If you took the stairs down, head back in that direction to make your way to High Falls. You’ll see the trail to the left.

Follow the path as it meanders along the bank of the Little River on its way to High Falls. When you reach the fork with High Falls Loop trail signage veer to the left.

After about a 1/4 mile you will see a sign for Base of Falls pointing to a spur to the left. Follow the spur downhill until you reach the base of High Falls.

You can walk along the riverbank but may have to climb over some fallen tree trunks and do some rock hopping to get to a spot with a good view of the falls.

After enjoying High Falls, retrace your steps to Triple Falls via the spur trail and then return to Hooker Falls Access Area.