What it is: Two spectacular waterfalls – Triple Falls and High Falls -- plus a bonus smaller one -- Hooker Falls
Distance: 2 miles round-trip. 1.5 hours.
To get there: From Brevard, take 64 East for 3 miles to its intersection with NC 280 and US276. Take a right, and follow US64 east for 3.7 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto Crab Creek Rd, and drive 4.3 miles. Turn right onto DuPont Road (becomes Staton Rd), and drive 3.1 miles, until you see a gravel parking lot on the right for Hooker Falls.
More info: A nice loop takes in the two best waterfalls in the area, while another 10 minute walk brings you to smaller Hooker Falls.
Triple Falls from the Hooker Falls Access Area
Carefully cross the road and bridge from the Hooker Falls Access Area (watch for traffic), descend the stairs and follow Triple Falls Trail to the falls. It is a 10-15 minute walk to this 150-foot waterfall featuring three cascades. There is a short uphill to the viewing area and picnic shelter. Enjoy the side trail to the river between the second and third cascades.
High Falls from Triple Falls
Continue up the hill from the Triple Falls viewing area and turn left on High Falls Trail at the intersection at the top of the hill. (To the right is Triple Falls Trail to Buck Forest Road.) At the next fork, turn right on High Falls Trail up to the viewing area and picnic shelter. There is a side trail to the base of the waterfall, which is 120 feet high.
Alternate Easy Return to Triple Falls from High Falls
From High Falls, continue up High Falls Trail and turn right on Triple Falls Trail near Buck Forest Road. At the Triple Falls Picnic Shelter, return to the Hooker Falls Access Area by taking Galax Trail. Go under the bridge and turn left to the stairs and cross the highway bridge facing traffic.
Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls is an easy 5-10 minute walk downstream from the Hooker Falls Access Area. It drops off a 12-foot ledge directly into Cascade Lake. This waterfall features an observation deck.
