Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
Swimming hole in Asheville, North Carolina · Waterfall
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc is a falls swimming hole. It is near Asheville, North Carolina. Access is free. Best season: Late spring to early fall (May-September) for warm weather and ideal.
Typical season: Late spring to early fall (May-September) for warm weather and ideal
About Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc sits in North Carolina along Little River. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
Fed by the cold, clear waters of the Little River, this network of waterfalls and pools rewards visitors with a rare combination: dramatic cascades, swimmable pools, and trails that wind through some of the most lush and diverse forest in the Southern Appalachians.
DuPont's landscape feels almost cinematic. And it has been, appearing in several major film productions over the years. Hemlocks and hardwoods press close to the riverbanks, their roots threading through mossy boulders worn smooth by centuries of moving water. The forest floor hums with birdsong and the rustle of wildlife moving through dense undergrowth. Six waterfalls are accessible within the forest, and the geological variety here is striking: some falls pour over broad shelves of granite into wide, flat pools a strong choice for wading, while others drop dramatically into deeper hollows carved by the relentless force of the Little River. In autumn, the hillsides ignite with color, and even in winter, when the crowds thin to almost nothing, the forest carries a quiet, elemental beauty.
Swim at your own risk at Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Little River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Asheville
- State
- North Carolina
- Best season
- Late spring to early fall (May-September) for warm weather and ideal .
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate. Hooker Falls Access offers flat trails suitable for all ages, while hikes to Triple Falls and Wintergreen Falls require moderate effort.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- Restrooms available at Hooker Falls Access parking. Few developed facilities at other trailheads. Pack essentials like water and snacks.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late spring to early fall (May-September) for warm weather and ideal .
- Access Easy to moderate. Hooker Falls Access offers flat trails suitable for all ages, while hikes to Triple Falls and Wintergreen Falls require moderate effort.
- Facilities Restrooms available at Hooker Falls Access parking. Few developed facilities at other trailheads. Pack essentials like water and snacks.
Highlights & features
- Easy access to six waterfalls and swimming holes
- Cool, clear mountain water
- Ideal for families and solo adventurers
- Scenic hiking trails with varied difficulty
- Abundant wildlife and lush vegetation
- Combination of waterfalls and swimming holes
- A mix of bustling and secluded spots
- Historical significance tied to local conservation efforts
How to get there
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc lies in North Carolina near Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Hooker Falls Access (Primary Parking Area for Multiple Falls) Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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From Hendersonville
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Take I-26 to Exit 49B for US-64 West toward Hendersonville.
Continue on US-64 West for 2.4 miles to North Church Street/Business US-25 South. Turn left onto North Church Street and drive 0.6 miles south. Turn right onto Kanuga Road and continue for 11 miles (Kanuga Road becomes Crab Creek Road). Turn left onto DuPont Road. Follow DuPont Road for 4.2 miles, keeping right as it becomes Staton Road. Look for the Hooker Falls parking lot on the right, just before the Little River bridge.
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Parking and Trail Details
The Hooker Falls parking lot provides access to five waterfalls: Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. For Hooker Falls (a popular . For Triple Falls, High Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls: From the south side of the parking area, take the stairs up to Staton Road, carefully cross the road, and follow the trail signs. The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip and includes all four falls. Latitude/Longitude for Hooker Falls Parking Lot: Latitude: 35.20236 Longitude: -82.61890 Google Maps Link Guion Farm Access (Trailhead for Wintergreen Falls) From Hendersonville: Follow the directions above to Crab Creek Road and DuPont Road. After turning onto DuPont Road, drive a short distance and turn left onto Sky Valley Road. Continue on Sky Valley Road for 1.3 miles to reach the Guion Farm Access parking area.
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Parking and Trail Details
The Guion Farm Access parking area provides access to Wintergreen Falls. Wintergreen Falls offers . Follow the trail signs from the parking area to reach the falls. Latitude/Longitude for Guion Farm Access Parking Lot: Latitude: 35.21485 Longitude: -82.58770 Google Maps Link
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Helpful notes
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Parking areas can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Trails are well-marked, but it’s recommended to bring a map of DuPont State Forest for reference. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as some trails involve moderate hiking. Exercise caution near the water. Have a safe visit to DuPont State Forest and its beautiful !
Plan your visit
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc works well as a day trip from Asheville or Brevard. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include South Mountains S.P. and Stone Mountain State Natural Area Swimming Holes. For the full list in North Carolina, see our state directory.
Access & fees
No entry fee. Parking is free but lots fill quickly on weekends and holidays; arrive early. Restrooms are available only at the Hooker Falls parking area. All swimming is unofficial and at your own risk; water levels and currents vary.
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What to pack for Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
Gear we compare side by side for waterfall swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC?
Yes. DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC near Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville in NC has waterfall / cascade pools on Little River used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC?
DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC is in NC within day-trip range of Asheville, Brevard, and Hendersonville. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
DuPont State Forest reflects the region’s commitment to conservation, with ties to the DuPont Corporation’s industrial legacy and local efforts to protect natural resources.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and avoid damaging trails. Respect designated paths and avoid littering to preserve the ecosystem.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.