ASHEVILLE Guide

Waterfall Safety  
Although beautiful to see, waterfalls can be very dangerous. Every year, people fall to their death after a slip on wet rocks above and around waterfalls in the area. Never climb or slide on waterfalls, or swim, wade or play in the water above a waterfall within 300 feet. See our Waterfall Safety Tips.
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Covered Bridge 
Crossing the river above High Falls is a beautiful covered bridge that was built in 2000 for a planned, exclusive real estate development. Thankfully, the state bought the land (after a long legal battle) from the developer so it could be preserved. Read the full history of saving Dupont Forest.
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Movie Location 
The Last of the Mohicans and the Hunger Games, the major motion picture released in 2012, were filmed at various locations at DuPont State Recreational Forest, including Hooker Falls, High Falls, Bridle Falls, Triple Falls, and portions of the Forest. There's more information about movie locations at the Visitor Center at the High Falls Parking Lot. Read about The Hunger Games film locations.
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Mountain Biking 
DuPont State Forest is fast becoming one of the leading mountain bike destinations in Western North Carolina with 80 miles of trails open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Remember, E-bikes, including pedal assists, are not allowed in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
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Horseback Riding 
DuPont's trails are used by hikers, bikers, horseback riders, anglers, and hunters (during season). Parking for horse trailers is available at the Guion Farm Access Area and the Lake Imaging Access Area. Read more about horseback riding here and elsewhere in the area.
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Accessibility 
A Limited mobility permit is available on a limited basis. It allows you to drive your personal vehicle to the High Falls picnic shelter for a view of High Falls and to the covered bridge. You may request a limited mobility permit through the DuPont State Recreational Forest website or by using this link.
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Trails Map 
Download a PDF of the DuPont Forest Trails Map. Save it to your phone before your go. 4 MB.
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DuPont State Forest Directions 
Directions from Asheville (via Brevard) to two parking areas: I-26 East to exit 40 for Highway 280/Airport exit toward Brevard. Turn right onto 280 and drive about 16 miles. Turn left on U.S. 64 as you enter Brevard past Wal-Mart. Travel east on U.S. 64 for 3.7 miles to the gas station in Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Rd and continue 4.3 miles and turn right on DuPont Rd. After 3.1 miles, find the Hooker Falls parking area on the right just before the Little River Bridge. One mile past this parking area is the High Falls parking area with restrooms, visitor center and water. (Street address: 89 Buck Forest Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718)
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Directions from Hendersonville: Take Business US-25 (Church St.) south to Kanuga and turn right. Kanuga becomes Crab Creek Rd. after 3.9 miles at Little River Rd. (flashing traffic light). Continue on Crab Creek Rd. 7.1 miles to DuPont Rd. Turn left for 3.1 miles.
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Guion Farm Access (For Stone Mountain hike, Wintergreen Falls, horseback riding and mountain bikes): Same directions as above. After you turn right on DuPont Rd., go 7/10 of a mile and turn left on Sky Valley Road. Go past the junction of Old CCC Road to the Guion Farm Access Area 1.6 miles on the right.
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Picnic Shelter Reservations 
Picnic shelters inside the forest are available for group rental, and include a limited number of vehicle passes. Reservations are for the entire day (9 AM-5 PM). To make a picnic shelter reservation visit the DuPont State Recreational Forest website or use this link.
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Holmes Educational State Forest 
Located less than five miles from DuPont Forest is a much less visited park with trails, picnic tables and talking trees! Read about Holmes Educational State Forest.