Triple Falls Trail – DuPont State Forest – 2024 Hiking Guide

Triple Falls is a large three-tiered waterfall in North Carolina’s DuPont State Forest. There are several options for hiking to Triple Falls.

This guide will cover the out-and-back trail to the waterfall from the Hooker Falls Access Area as well an option to add High Falls to the hike for a longer 2.8-mile out-and-back.

You can also hike in the opposite direction reaching High Falls and Triple Falls from the High Falls Access Area.

What To Expect On The Trail

The trailhead is located at the Hooker Falls Access Area in DuPont State Forest. A large parking lot is available in this area.

Keep in mind that this is a very popular area and the parking lot (and trails!) are often full. Plan to arrive early in the day (we recommend by 9 am) during peak travel season if you prefer less crowded trails.

You will also find restrooms available at the Hooker Falls Access Area parking lot.

The trail to Triple Falls is an extremely popular waterfall hike in Western NC. It is known for having three levels which are actually three separate smaller waterfalls back to back.

The trail is moderate in difficulty with a total length of .8 miles out and back if you hike straight to the edge of the falls and retrace your path back.

There are two locations to view the falls. The first is from an overlook on the main trail where you will see all three stages of the waterfall through a gap in the trees.

The second is a trail spur that is mostly wooden stairs down to the edge of the river. At this location, you will be directly at the top of the lower falls and the base of the middle falls.

There is also a longer 2.8-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to High Falls. This is detailed below.

Triple Falls Trailhead

The trailhead for the Triple Falls Trail is located at the left side of the parking lot as you pull in. It is well-marked with signage. You will find the start of the trail at the steel bridge crossing the Little River.

Triple Falls Trail

The trail to the base of the middle level of the three waterfalls is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail. It leads you right to the edge of one of Western NC’s most spectacular waterfalls.

The trail begins with a bridge over the Little River offering views of a picturesque mountain stream. Just past the bridge, you will pass under the Staton Road Bridge where it crosses the river.

After passing under the bridge, the trail will continue along the Little River with access points to explore. After about a quarter of a mile, the trail will turn to the right and then proceed up a steep uphill section.

At the top of the uphill climb, you will see the lookout on the left side of the trail. This is a great spot to take a photo and enjoy a look at all three tiers of Triple Falls at once.

After taking in a view of the falls from the trail overlook, continue on the path for a few hundred feet. You will see a spur on the left with several stairs going downhill. Follow the steps to the bottom and emerge on a rock outcropping in the middle of the waterfall.

To your right, you will see the upper and middle sections of the waterfall. To the left, you will see the top of the lower section and the river flowing away into the distance. The viewing area is barricaded off and posted with do not enter signs to keep visitors safe.

From this point, you can retrace your path back to the trailhead (~1 mi) or continue on the trail about 3/4 mile to High Falls for a total hike of 2.8 miles.

Option to continue hiking to High Falls (2.8-mile out-and-back)

If you want to continue hiking on to High Falls, follow the stairs back up to the main trail and then turn 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.

The area at the base of High Falls is a great spot to dip your feet in the water and spend some time taking in the powerful falls. If you are looking for a swimming hole in DuPont, check out our guide to Hooker Falls.

After enjoying High Falls, follow the spur back uphill to the main trail. From here you can retrace your steps past Triple Falls for a final look before heading back to the Hooker Falls Access Area.

The Triple Falls Trail is an exciting trail for older kids with experience hiking.

The trail has a very steep gravel section as you lead up to the stairs that go down to the waterfall, 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.

Hikers are not permitted to enter the water at Triple Falls. If you have kids who want to splash, consider hiking on to High Falls from Triple Falls (a 2.8-mile out-and-back hike), or take the High Falls trail from the High Falls Access Area.