Hikes of WNC: Triple Falls Trail

CEDAR MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Located in the hiking bounty of DuPont State Recreational Forest and captured on the silver screen in movies like “The Hunger Games,” Triple Falls Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall view, three times over.

Fast facts

• Triple Falls Trail is located in DuPont State Recreational Forest. If visiting during winter months, check what trails are open or closed at www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/state-forests/dupont-state-recreational-forest/closures
• With its intersecting network of trails, it is possible to build various lengths of DuPont Forest hikes. For our purposes, the hike to Triple Falls is approximately 1 mile, out and back
• Triple Falls is not currently not accessible for a descent to the water, but can be clearly viewed from two vantages on the trail
• The Triple Falls Trail climb is steep. Bring poles or a walking stick for better traction
• While DuPont Forest trails are publicly available, they come with a few rules, too: No alcohol, camping, cooking, drones or bicycles are allowed, nor is swimming within 100 yards upstream of waterfalls. A fishing license is required to fish and pets must remain on their leashes
• Parking can be competitive in DuPont Forest. For the best chance of finding a spot, arrive early, especially in warmer months

DuPont triplets

Disclaimer: Your hiking columnist went on his stroll to Triple Falls in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, which had deposited a significant amount of ice on the trail. While good boots, balance and a well-placed walking stick can help on an icy hike, it is really best to circle back on a less slippery occasion. If you decide to hike in winter weather, be careful out there.

After pulling into DuPont State Recreational Forest, you will want to take a right turn off Staton Road toward the signs marked for Hooker Falls and Triple Falls access. Drive through to the back parking lot for Triple Falls. You should find a spot in the gravel lot, cordoned off by a host of wooden fences. After parking, head down toward the bridge.

I always recommend taking a stop at the trail kiosk. After checking it out, head straight onto the bridge for the beginning of Triple Falls Trail.

The trail dips beneath Staton Road. On the other side, a brown sign with yellow letters – “TRIPLE FALLS TRAIL” – should confirm that you are on the right track.

Staton Road runs over Triple Falls Trail

Beneath Staton Road

Triple Falls Trail signage

For most of the first quarter-mile of the trail, the going is smooth. The flora is beautiful to look at, the gravel trail is well-maintained and there are several opportunities to check out Little River, which Triple Falls Trail runs along. There are openings in the rhododendron cover to walk out to the water.

Little River access point on Triple Falls Trail

Little River access point on Triple Falls Trail

Little River access point on Triple Falls Trail

Though chillier than an August adventure or July jaunt, hiking during winter months does reveal its own uniques bits of beauty. Icicles and frozen roots, for instance, were all over the Little River access points.

Frozen water on Little River

Icy roots on Triple Falls Trail

It is impossible to miss the point Triple Falls Trail gets steep, not the least of which because of the yawning hill ahead of you. At the base of the climb, there is significant signage with warnings and guidance for cautious hikers.

Warning signs on Triple Falls Trail

Warning signs on Triple Falls Trail

The climb is where winter hikers should be especially cautious. While summer rains may wash gravel out, winter snows ice it over, and the steep incline made a nasty slip all too possible. When I approached the base, a kind hiker had left a walking stick leaning on one of the signs for the next traveler in need, which was tremendously helpful in navigating the slick surface.

Fortunately, at the top of the hill is the hiker’s reward. The summit of the climb reveals a fantastic outlook to Triple Falls, with all three cascades visible in spectacular detail.

For the hiker who needs a break following the hard climb, a stone wall to the rear of the viewpoint has several large, bench-shaped rocks to rest on.

While Triple Falls Trail is now open, the actual descent to the waterfall is not. Fencing with “DO NOT ENTER” signs prevent hikers from taking the staircase down to the water.

Just around the corner, however, Triple Falls Shelter offers picnic benches and a view of the waterfalls perfect for taking a lunch break. DuPont Forest hikers may choose to head back the way they came, completing the mile out-and-back, or take one of the connecting trails to another of the forest’s scenic views.