High Falls

High Falls Travel Guide | DuPont State Recreational Forest, North Carolina

High Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the signature attractions within DuPont State Recreational Forest in Western North Carolina. Located about one hour south of Asheville near the town of Brevard, this impressive 150-foot waterfall tumbles over a broad granite rock face before continuing downstream through a beautiful mountain gorge. Surrounded by lush hardwood forests, scenic hiking trails, and several other remarkable waterfalls, High Falls offers one of the premier outdoor experiences in the region known as the Land of Waterfalls.

Whether you're planning a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, a day of hiking, a photography adventure, or a family outing, High Falls deserves a place on your itinerary. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking overlooks, well-maintained trails, rushing mountain streams, and easy access to several nearby waterfalls, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Its dramatic beauty has also attracted Hollywood, with portions of the waterfall appearing in the blockbuster film The Hunger Games.

Why Visit High Falls?

High Falls is considered one of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls because of its impressive size and unique appearance. Unlike narrow waterfalls that plunge into deep pools, High Falls spreads across a wide granite cliff, creating dozens of individual cascades before converging into a roaring torrent below. The constant flow of water, combined with the surrounding mountain scenery, creates an unforgettable setting throughout every season.

The waterfall is especially popular among photographers, hikers, families, and nature lovers because it is relatively easy to reach while still offering the feeling of a true mountain wilderness. Observation areas provide spectacular panoramic views, while nearby trails allow visitors to continue exploring one of North Carolina's most celebrated outdoor destinations.

Where is High Falls?

High Falls is located inside DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina, approximately:

• 1 hour from Asheville
• 20 minutes from Brevard
• 1 hour 30 minutes from Cherokee
• 1 hour 45 minutes from Gatlinburg

Its central location makes it an easy addition to any Blue Ridge Mountains vacation.

About DuPont State Recreational Forest

Covering more than 10,000 acres, DuPont State Recreational Forest is one of North Carolina's premier outdoor recreation destinations. The forest features more than 80 miles of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and scenic trails that wind through waterfalls, rivers, lakes, forests, granite domes, and mountain valleys.

High Falls is one of four major waterfalls located within the forest, making DuPont one of the best places in the Southeast to experience multiple waterfalls during a single visit.

The Hike to High Falls

The hike to High Falls is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for most visitors. From the High Falls Visitor Center parking area, the trail follows a wide gravel path through a beautiful hardwood forest before reaching the overlook above the waterfall.

The walk is approximately 1.2 miles round trip depending on the route you choose. Most visitors spend between one and two hours exploring the overlooks, photographing the falls, and continuing to nearby waterfalls.

Although the trail is relatively easy, sturdy walking shoes are recommended because some sections include exposed roots, gravel, and gentle elevation changes.

High Falls Overlook

The primary overlook provides one of the most impressive panoramic views in DuPont State Recreational Forest. From here, visitors can watch thousands of gallons of water cascade over the expansive granite face before disappearing into the gorge below.

The overlook is especially beautiful during the morning and late afternoon when sunlight illuminates the falling water and surrounding forest.

Covered Bridge

One of the most recognizable features near High Falls is the historic covered bridge spanning the Little River just above the waterfall. Originally constructed for the DuPont manufacturing facility, the bridge has become an iconic photography location and offers beautiful views of the river before it plunges over High Falls.

High Falls in The Hunger Games

Movie fans may recognize High Falls from the 2012 film The Hunger Games. Several scenes featuring Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark were filmed within DuPont State Recreational Forest, showcasing the area's dramatic waterfalls and mountain scenery.

The movie helped introduce millions of viewers to the incredible beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and significantly increased tourism throughout the region.

Nearby Waterfalls

One of the biggest advantages of visiting High Falls is the opportunity to see several other spectacular waterfalls nearby.

• Triple Falls - 0.5 mile
• Hooker Falls - 1 mile
• Bridal Veil Falls  - 3 miles
• Wintergreen Falls - 3.5 miles

Many visitors combine all four waterfalls into one memorable day of hiking and sightseeing.

Photography Tips

• Visit early in the morning for soft lighting.
• Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the entire waterfall.
• Use a tripod for silky water effects.
• Visit after rainfall for the most dramatic water flow.
• Autumn offers spectacular fall foliage surrounding the falls.

Best Time to Visit

Spring

Wildflowers bloom throughout the forest, and snowmelt often creates strong waterfall flows.

Summer

Dense green forests surround the falls, making this the most popular season for hiking and photography.

Fall

Brilliant autumn colors transform DuPont State Recreational Forest into one of North Carolina's premier leaf-peeping destinations.

Winter

Leafless trees open panoramic views of the waterfall, and occasional ice formations create beautiful winter scenery.

Wildlife

Visitors frequently observe white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, salamanders, songbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, butterflies, and native wildflowers throughout the forest.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early during weekends.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• Carry drinking water.
• Pack a camera.
• Stay behind safety barriers.
• Never climb on wet rocks near the waterfall.
• Leave no trace.

Best Waterfall Day Trip from Asheville

High Falls is often included in one of the best waterfall day trips in Western North Carolina.

1. Looking Glass Falls
2. Sliding Rock
3. Moore Cove Falls
4. Hooker Falls
5. Triple Falls
6. High Falls

This scenic drive takes visitors through Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, showcasing six of the Blue Ridge Mountains' most spectacular waterfalls in a single unforgettable day.

Plan Your Visit to High Falls

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, photographing some of North Carolina's most scenic landscapes, or exploring the famous Land of Waterfalls, High Falls should be at the top of your itinerary. Its dramatic beauty, easy accessibility, nearby waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain setting make it one of the finest natural attractions in Western North Carolina. Pair your visit with nearby Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Looking Glass Falls for an unforgettable adventure through one of America's greatest waterfall destinations.

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