Dupont State Recreational Forest, located near Brevard, North Carolina, offers a compelling playground for hikers of all levels who crave scenic routes combined with the intrigue of hidden waterfalls. This 10,000-acre forest challenges you with its dense woods, rocky trails, and the constant presence of water moving with purpose—sometimes a gentle murmur, at others a roaring cascade.

Start your journey at the Hooker Falls trail. A moderate 1.2-mile round trip with an elevation gain near 100 feet, this hike leads through forested paths where towering trees brush your shoulders. The trail interacts with water in its boldest form here—Hooker Falls daring you with its cliff-edge plunge, perfect for a brisk photo stop or a calm moment to listen to the river’s persistent push.

Next, the Triple Falls loop offers a more engaging 2.5-mile hike with varied terrain that jostles between smooth rock slabs and rugged dirt paths. The elevation climb sits around 250 feet; expect brief steeper sections that reward you with views where water splits and leaps in three distinct stages. Walking alongside the creek, the trail brings you face-to-face with nature’s raw force, urging respect with every spray of mist.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the High Falls trail spans roughly 3.5 miles with a more pronounced elevation gain of about 400 feet. The path combines forest floors thick with leaves and exposed granite steps hardened by decades of hikers. High Falls itself is the forest’s Crown Jewel—where the water crashes down over 150 feet, its thunderous presence pulling you into the moment. Timing your hike early in the morning or late afternoon can avoid crowds and make the light ideal for capturing the water’s dynamic life.

Practical considerations are vital in Dupont. Hydration should be continuous but careful—water is abundant but never assume it's safe without filtration. Sturdy footwear with solid tread is non-negotiable; wet granite can shift underfoot and pose slippery challenges. Arriving early means less crowded trails, especially on weekends, and cooler temps that make the forest’s exertions more manageable. Carry layers to adjust for weather shifts, as the dense canopy masks the sun and temperature can drop noticeably.

Dupont Forest does not simply invite you to walk—it challenges you to engage, to keep pace with nature that is fiercely itself. The creeks and falls move not as background but as active partners in the hike, set against a forest that demands attention. Whether your ambition is a quick waterfall glimpse or a fulfilling half-day trek through rugged terrain, Dupont offers adventure measured in both the landscape’s rawness and the personal satisfaction earned step by step.