Hike: Hooker Falls, High Falls, and Triple Falls

Overview:

• Distance: 4.3 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 553 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Hiking Time: About 3 hours (depending on hike, breaks, and pace)
• Trail Surface: Natural trails with moderate incline, slick surfaces, tree roots, and stream crossings

Description:

This hike takes you on a waterfall tour through DuPont State Recreational Forest near Pisgah, NC, visiting Hooker Falls, High Falls, and Triple Falls. You will see a total of five waterfalls on this beautiful hike. The 150ft High Falls was famously used in the original Hunger Games movie. The route is a moderate out-and-back hike featuring multiple stunning waterfalls along well-traveled forest trails.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: This hike is moderate. Be prepared for natural trails with moderate incline, slick surfaces, tree roots, and stream crossings.
• Navigation: Trails are generally well-signed in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
• Footwear & Gear: Appropriate footwear and clothing are strongly recommended, depending on the weather.
• Physical Condition: A moderate level of fitness is recommended for this hike.
• Other: The maximum number of hikers is 20 members; no guests or outside family members are allowed due to past Covid conditions and insurance requirements. Please check your email the night before the hike in case of inclement weather cancellation and confirm your receipt. Cell coverage is often not available on park grounds or many trail locations.

What to Bring:

• Hiking poles
• Plenty of water
• Appropriate rain gear, gloves, footwear, and clothing depending on weather
• Pack a lunch if you want to picnic at the available park tables after the hike

Park Information:

• Access: DuPont State Recreational Forest. Free entry.
• Restrooms: Restrooms and a visitors center are available near the parking lot.
• GPS Address: Use the address for the Aleen Steinberg Visitor Center at DuPont State Recreational Forest: 89 Buck Forest Road, Cedar Mountain, NC
• Parking: Meet at DuPont’s main park office parking lot on Buck Forest Rd. Follow signs after turning off Staton Rd onto Buck Forest Rd for about 1.4 miles.

Carpooling:

Interested in carpooling? Please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and we’ll coordinate rides for those who request it.

Meeting Time & Location:

Meet at the main park office parking lot on Buck Forest Road at 8:45 AM, look for the white Nissan Pickup with the tailgate down.   We will head out for the hike promptly at 9:00 AM.

If you have any questions about this hike, please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]).

Hike: Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls (Gorges State Park)

Overview:

• Distance: 4.9 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 770 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate, with some short, steep sections
• Estimated Hiking Time: 3–4 hours (including breaks)
• Trail Surface: Natural surface with slopes of varying degrees, wooden bridge crossings, roots, and rocky sections

Description:

This beautiful hike leads to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls, two stunning waterfalls within Gorges State Park near Sapphire, NC. The trail follows a moderate path with steady elevation gains and includes a few water crossings via wooden bridges. If conditions are safe and dry, there’s an opportunity to cool off in the natural pool at Turtleback Falls. (Note: The pool is unsafe after heavy rain.) Expect a scenic trail, lively cascades, and vibrant greenery along the way.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate, requiring a good level of fitness. Be prepared for some uphill sections and uneven terrain.
• Navigation: Well-marked trail, easy to follow.
• Footwear & Gear: Proper hiking shoes are necessary. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
• Weather: If there has been heavy rain, water levels can make swimming and river crossings hazardous.

What to Bring:

• Hiking poles
• Water (minimum 1.5 liters)
• Energy snacks
• Optional: Towel or quick-dry clothes if planning to wade at the falls

Park Information:

• Access: Free with entry into Gorges State Park.
• Restrooms: Available at the Visitor Center and near the trailhead.
• GPS Address: Turtleback Falls – 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway, NC 28774

Carpooling:

Interested in carpooling? Please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and we’ll coordinate rides for those who request it.

Meeting Time & Location:

Meet at the Turtleback-Rainbow Falls parking lot at 8:45 AM. Look for Ryan’s vehicle. We will depart promptly at 9:00 AM.

Hike: Yellow Branch Falls Trail (Sumter National Forest)

Overview:

• Distance: 3.1 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 475 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate, with stone water crossings and large boulders
• Estimated Hiking Time: About 3 hours (including breaks)
• Trail Surface: Natural surface with inclined slopes, roots, rock crossings, and potential wet areas

Description:

This hike leads to the beautiful Yellow Branch Falls in Sumter National Forest, SC. It’s a moderately challenging route through lush forest with several creek crossings that may get your feet wet. The trail steadily climbs toward the 50-foot cascading falls, with an elevation gain equivalent to about 40 flights of stairs. The trail is relatively short but includes rocky sections, stream crossings, and moderate inclines that require good footing and balance. The reward is the stunning falls, where we’ll rest before heading back.

Important Considerations:

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable with uneven, sometimes slippery terrain.
• Navigation: Trail is marked, but crossings and trail bends require attention.
• Footwear & Gear: Waterproof hiking shoes or boots strongly recommended. Hiking poles can help at crossings.

What to Bring:

• Hiking poles
• Plenty of water
• Energy snacks
• Spare socks (optional, if feet get wet)

Park Information:

• Access: Free
• Restrooms: A portable toilet should be available at the trailhead (confirm before trip).
• GPS Address: Yellow Branch Falls Trailhead

Carpooling:

Interested in carpooling? Please email Ryan Jobs ([email protected]) after registering, and we’ll connect participants who want to ride together.

Meeting Time & Location:

Meet at the Yellow Branch Trailhead (signs for Picnic Area) at 8:45 AM. We will depart for the hike promptly at 9:00 AM.