The land of waterfalls! The North Carolina Mountains... home to some amazing scenic views and cultural wonders. DuPont State Forest is located just outside of Cedar Mountain, North Carolina and is home to some amazing waterfalls and great hiking. Many of the waterfalls were featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans (and the forest was also the filming location for Katniss Everdeen's stomping grounds in the Hunger Games movies). The forest is well worth a visit. It is worth noting that while on our hike we encountered many completely unprepared visitors. This is a 12,500 acre forest with limited facilities. Make sure you have a trail map, water and snacks!
We started our hike at the visitors side of the park at the High Falls trailhead and made our way towards Hooker Falls. This trail allows you to see High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls in one hike. This was roughly a 7 mile hike total to Hooker Falls and back but totally worth it!
High Falls from the base of the High Falls trail overlook
Triple Falls - this waterfall was featured in Last of the Mohicans when Hawkeye is leading Duncan and the Monroe sister to Ft. William Henry...
Hooker Falls - this is the waterfall in Last of the Mohicans that the canoes are sent over in the chase scene. The base of the falls is an extremely popular swimming hole, so expect a crowd in the summer. There was a crowd when we were there, so we decided to go for a swim too!
Even though it is a little out of the way, DuPont State Forest is well worth the visit - especially if you like waterfalls, hiking and Last of the Mohicans!
For more information, see DuPont State Forest website or Friends of DuPont State Forest website.
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