Asheville’s surrounding forests challenge you with a dynamic landscape where waterfalls refuse to stay hidden for long. Pisgah and Dupont State Forests offer a collection of hikes that lead to cascades with personalities all their own — some roar with force, others drip with delicate persistence. Each trail delivers a mix of shaded forest paths and rocky stream crossings, demanding respect from hikers but rewarding them with watery spectacles that move with clear intent.

Start with the trek to Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah Forest, an accessible 0.3-mile walk with minimal elevation gain. Here, water crashes dramatically over a granite cliff, daring you to feel its spray. Nearby, the Moore Cove Falls trail stretches roughly 1.5 miles round trip, winding over roots and stone before reaching a quieter cascade that invites you to walk behind its veil — a rare interaction granting a fresh perspective on falling water.

In Dupont State Forest, the Triple Falls hike ranks moderate at 2.2 miles round trip with some incline. The path threads through rhododendron thickets and pine, leading to three waterfalls stacked like drops clinging in succession. At High Falls, the tallest in Dupont, expect a heartier challenge: 3 miles round trip with a steadier climb, but the reward is a thunderous drop of water slicing through mossy rock, commanding attention.

These hikes perform differently depending on the season. Spring awakens the forests with fresh greenery and high flows that give each cascade a stronger voice. Summer trades volume for warmth, inviting hikers to dip into shaded pools where water slows just enough to soothe. Fall packs in fiery leaf colors that frame each waterfall with vibrant contrast, while winter softens the sound of water with frost, transforming surroundings into quiet, icy galleries.

Before you set out, pack sturdy footwear that will handle wet, uneven terrain, and bring enough water to counter the exertion and humidity. Early starts or late afternoons avoid crowds and catch the waterfalls in lower light, often providing better photography conditions. Remember, these trails are ecosystems fiercely themselves—stay on marked paths, respect wildlife, and allow the water to flow on its course, undisturbed.

Each hike invites you to engage with nature’s intent and reflect on the balance between challenge and reward. In Pisgah and Dupont, waterfalls don’t just exist; they speak and move forward, daring each visitor to match their pace and discover hidden beauty along the way.