DuPont State Recreational Forest
National forest
4.8 (4162)
Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
Massive nature preserve featuring mountains, waterfalls, lakes, seasonal hunting & hiking trails.
Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Managed Forest Waterfall RegionNC
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan DuPont waterfall visits with the actual swimming rule, upstream exclusion, parking and current trail notices. No jumping, diving or waterfall sliding.
Swimming restriction
02 NCAC 60B .1005: own-risk swimming except within 300 feet upstream of waterfall tops or designated non-swimming areas; no diving, jumping or sliding from waterfalls, rocks or overhangs.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Managed Forest Waterfall Region
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Cedar Mountain, Brevard, Hendersonville
Water body
Little River And Other Named Dupont Waterfall Streams
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Cedar Mountain, Brevard, Hendersonville
Access location not verified
Hendersonville, NC
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Six waterfall names do not mean six safe water entries
The historical DuPont record names Hooker, Triple, High, Grassy Creek, Bridal Veil and Wintergreen Falls. Choose a trail itinerary with the current forest map rather than assuming one short loop reaches all six. Hooker Falls Access and Guion Farm are distinct starting areas.
The actual swimming rule
State forest rule 02 NCAC 60B .1005 allows wading, bathing and swimming at a person’s own risk, except within 300 feet upstream of the top of a waterfall or in designated non-swimming areas. The upstream qualification matters: it is not a statement that every place outside that zone is safe or reachable.
Waterfalls are not slides or diving platforms
The rule prohibits diving, jumping or sliding from waterfalls, rocks or overhangs into water. The forest manager also warns against climbing waterfalls. Follow barriers and posted notices, and use shore viewpoints when a legal water entry or suitable exit is uncertain.
Plan the trail and parking separately
The manager publishes forest hours of 5 a.m.-10 p.m. and warns that parking lots fill early. Use a designated lot; do not substitute roadside parking or cross a closure to shorten a hike. Check the current closure list. The Turkey Knob bridge restriction is location-specific, while the posted Buck Forest Road improvement notice does not announce a forestwide closure.
Pets and overnight plans
Pets must be leashed; state rules exclude pets from designated swimming areas except qualifying service animals. Arrange overnight lodging separately. The manager does not allow campfires or cooking fires at DuPont.
Official sources
Read the forest visitor notices and current manager-linked state forest rules before your trip.
Getting There
Use the current DuPont forest map to choose Hooker Falls Access or Guion Farm and a route to the intended named waterfall. Do not reuse the historical all-falls mileage as a universal loop. Check current notices before walking.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Conditional swimming permission has upstream and posted-area exclusions; designated parking and current route notices govern.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
02 NCAC 60B .1005: own-risk swimming except within 300 feet upstream of waterfall tops or designated non-swimming areas; no diving, jumping or sliding from waterfalls, rocks or overhangs. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Triple Falls
Hiking area
4.9 (202)
Triple Falls Trail, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Hooker Falls
Scenic spot
4.8 (191)
Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
A short, wide, waterfall in DuPont State Forest that is a popular destination for swimming.
Hooker Falls Access Area
Hiking area
4.7 (571)
Parking lot, Dupont state forest, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Davidson River Campground
Campground
4.6 (597)
1 Davidson River Cir, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Forested tent & RV sites along the Davidson River, with available hot showers & flush toilets.
The Adventure Village and lodgings
Campground
4.3 (278)
129 Israel Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Free Wi-Fi
Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping
Campground
4.9 (256)
29 Ash Grv Wy, Brevard, NC 28712
Free Wi-Fi
Public Restrooms
Public bathroom
5 (15)
125 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Frequently Asked Questions About Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
Is swimming banned throughout DuPont?
No. State rules allow own-risk wading, bathing and swimming except within 300 feet upstream of a waterfall top or in designated non-swimming areas.
Can I jump or slide from the waterfall rocks?
No. State rules prohibit diving, jumping or sliding from waterfalls, rocks or overhangs into water.
Does being below a waterfall guarantee a safe swim?
No. The rule is not a depth, current, water-quality or exit assessment. Follow signs and choose a shore visit if conditions are unsuitable.
Can one short hike visit all six historical waterfalls?
Do not assume that. Choose a route on the current forest map; Hooker Falls Access and Guion Farm are different starting areas.
Can my dog enter a designated swimming area?
State rules exclude pets from designated swimming areas, with the specified service-animal exception. Pets elsewhere must be leashed.
What should I check before driving to DuPont?
Check forest hours, parking, the map and current trail notices. A closure at one bridge does not establish that every waterfall trail is closed.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- No jumping, diving, waterfall sliding or climbing
- Follow upstream swimming exclusions and posted restrictions; permission does not establish safe water conditions
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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Check water quality before swimming
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Confirm the destination and activity charge; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Separate trailhead services from water approaches; carry supplies.
Activities
Authorized waterfall hiking and own-risk wading, bathing or swimming outside state-rule exclusions and posted non-swimming areas.
Phone
828-877-6527
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Do not assume overnight waterfall camping. State forest rules restrict camping to designated areas or permits; arrange authorized lodging separately.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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