We couldn’t waste the 25°C weather at the end of December. The kids and their dad ended up hiking straight through the river again—the mountain water was absolutely freezing! Hooker Falls is located in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, United States. Wide veil falls popular for swimming. Visit guide and safety information will be added soon.
Hooker Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
4m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Hooker Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Hooker Falls famous?
Hooker Falls is locally beloved as the most accessible and popular swimming hole in DuPont State Recreational Forest, with a wide, gentle cascade creating a perfect pool for wading and swimming. Its easy access and family-friendly nature make it one of the most visited waterfalls in western North Carolina.
Can you swim at Hooker Falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed and popular at the pool below the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Hooker Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails in Dupont State Recreational Forest. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Hooker Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free – no entrance fee or permit required to access DuPont State Recreational Forest or Hooker Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Hooker Falls?
Free parking is available at the Hooker Falls parking area off Staton Road (Crab Creek Road). The lot has limited capacity and fills quickly on weekends. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Hooker Falls?
About 0.3 km / 0.2 miles one-way from the parking area, approximately 0.6 km / 0.4 miles return. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Hooker Falls hike difficulty
Easy – short, relatively flat trail on well-maintained path with minimal elevation change, suitable for most visitors. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Hooker Falls?
Spring (March–May) for higher water flow from seasonal rains, or summer for swimming in warmer weather. Fall offers beautiful foliage. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Hooker Falls
From the parking area on Staton Road, follow the clearly marked trail downhill through the forest. The wide, well-maintained path descends gently for about 0.2 miles to the waterfall. The trail ends at a viewing area above the falls, with access to the swimming hole and base of the falls via a short side path.
Hooker Falls official website
Attractions near Hooker Falls
- •Triple Falls – stunning three-tiered waterfall 0.8 miles upstream, popular photography spot
- •High Falls – 120-foot cascade, one of the tallest in DuPont Forest, 1.5 miles from Hooker Falls
- •Bridal Veil Falls – 120-foot waterfall you can walk behind, featured in The Hunger Games films
- •DuPont State Recreational Forest – 10,600-acre forest with 80+ miles of trails and multiple waterfalls
- •Pisgah National Forest – adjacent forest offering additional hiking, camping, and scenic drives
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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