Announcing a new Meetup for Outdoor Adventure Club South - Asheville!

What: Dupont State Forest Waterfalls

When: Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 AM

Where:
Ingles
301 Long Shoals Rd Arden
Arden, NC 28704

# Difficulty: Easy
# Trails/Roads Used: Hooker Falls Road, Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls
# Hike Configuration: Partial loop, out-and-back
# Starting point: Hooker Falls Parking Area

We will start at Hooker Falls, then head to Triple Falls and Twin Falls. After that we will head to Reflection Pond, take a lunch break. Then head to Bridal veil Falls.

How to Get There: From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for Asheville Airport (exit 40). Head south (right) on NC 280 (4-lane highway) toward Brevard for 16 miles. Turn left on US 64 East and drive 3.7 miles. Turn right on Crab Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. The road will climb and change names to Staton Road, then begin a long downhill, at the bottom of which is the bridge over the Little River. The parking area is on the right just before the bridge. The trail to Triple and High Falls starts on the other side of the bridge.

Triple Falls (Easy)
Begin by crossing the road bridge over the Little River, but stay on the right side of the road. Be very careful; this is a straight section of road and cars travel very fast. The DOT is planning on building a pedestrian bridge across the Little River, but for now, this is the only way across. Although the trail is signed on the left side of the road once you cross the bridge, and there are steps there as well, hop the guardrail and pick up the steps leading down the bank on the right. Walk down the steps, turn right, and go back under the bridge. Immediately turn right onto the Galax trail. This trail provides a more gentle ascent than its counterpart to the left, and even though it was built with mountain bikers and horseback riders in mind, it is a pleasant trail to walk. There are few obstacles though you may encounter some rocks or roots. You will round several switchbacks on the way up - please, do not shortcut them! The forest is young, with mixed hardwoods, a few pines and an understory of mainly mountain laurel. Also, look down at the forest floor itself. This trail is named for the round, shiny-leafed plant that covers parts of the ground - galax. This plant is popular as a Christmas decoration, as it retains its green color for a long time after it is picked. But don't pick it here - leave it for others to enjoy. You may find yourself with a citation if you decide to pick it, anyway.

At the top of this hill (the longest steady climb on the whole hike), you will be at the picnic shelter for Triple Falls - which, properly, has an excellent view of the falls! You can also head down the steps to the overlook on the Triple Falls Trail. If you want to access the base of the middle falls, turn right and then left onto the trail heading to the base (marked "to the falls"). Be VERY careful on the rocks; stay on the dry, flat areas and DO NOT climb the rocks or go into the water! Be sure to get a few snapshots, and maybe enjoy a picnic with the sound of the rushing water in the background. If you are turning around here, you have two options: head back down the Galax trail or take the Triple Falls trail which follows the river. This drops steeply at first, but then levels out and has some rocks and muddy/wet sections. Both trails come out back at the road bridge.


To High Falls (Easy)
Go uphill on the trail from the overlook/picnic area and turn left onto the High Falls trail. This trail is mostly level, smooth and wide, with a few wet spots and a few rocks. The trail follows the Little River closely and it is amazing how calm and level it is between the two falls. At the next intersection bear right, to begin a moderate climb up to the High Falls overlook and picnic shelter. It's a spectacular sight once you reach the overlook. The water slides down a 150' high dome of rock, at several points launching itself into the air. Proceed past the overlook and you can take the set of steps to the right to reach the picnic shelter, again with a great view, or to the left on a narrow, rocky trail to reach the base of the falls. If you go to the base, be very careful on slippery rocks and do not try to climb the falls!

If you are turning around here, head back on the High Falls trail to Triple Falls. Either take the Galax trail or bear right past the overlook onto the Triple Falls trail. Both trails come out at the same place - the road bridge over the Little River.

Bridal Veil Falls(Moderate)
Bridal Veil Falls is perhaps the most unique falls in the State Forest, with a 4' tall overhanging ledge on the upper section, and a long, shallow whitewater incline along the lower section. Access to Bridal Veil requires a longer hike or ride than other fall

Learn more here:
http://www.oacs-asheville.com/calendar/12423452/