Hooker Falls
North Carolina • 12 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.9 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Hooker Falls
Hooker Falls tumbles roughly 14 feet (4.3 m) into a broad, shallow pool in the heart of DuPont State Forest, southeast of Brevard, North Carolina. Its wide curtain of water and easy access make it one of the forest’s most photographed and family-friendly cascades — a perfect stop for a quick swim in warm months or a peaceful picnic beside the flow. The falls sit within the DuPont State Recreational Management Area (SRMA) on land owned by OTHS, so you’ll find clear signage and maintained facilities as you explore the forest’s popular waterfall loop. The approach to Hooker Falls is short and forgiving, which is part of its appeal for casual hikers and visitors. While the falls are a popular spot and can draw a crowd on summer weekends, the surrounding trails link to longer hikes through hemlock and hardwood stands if you want to extend your outing. Bring a camera: the broad ledge and pool create classic waterfall shots, and the low drop invites up-close viewing from the base.
The Setting
Hooker Falls sits at 2,228 feet within Dupont State Forest, in the hills of North Carolina. The falls drop 12 feet.
Height: 12 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Triple Falls (125 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: High Falls (125 ft, 0.8 mi) and Bridal Veil Falls (120 ft, 1.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Hooker Falls is a 0.9-mile out-and-back with about 50 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. The route is short and well-maintained, mostly flat with a gentle grade, making it suitable for families and most visitors. The path leads directly to a viewing area at the base of the roughly 14-foot cascade and its tranquil pool; expect a straightforward walk and potentially busy conditions during peak times.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 12 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hooker Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hooker Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Hooker Falls is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring and fall when the surrounding foliage is most vibrant. Summer is also popular for swimming, while winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid swimming near the base of the falls due to strong currents. Be mindful of wildlife and stay on designated trails to protect the environment.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on French Broad River, 6.7 miles away, not on Hooker Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
2,810 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
13.24 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT BLANTYRE, NC (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
2810 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
2757 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
2767 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
2771 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
2863 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
2868 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
3047 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Caesars Head hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hooker Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid
Hooker Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 63°F to 58°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1580 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 94 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 12 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,227 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 86 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,227 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 94 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hooker Falls is located within DuPont State Recreational Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina. The trailhead is accessible via Hooker Falls Road, off Staton Road. Clear signage is present to guide visitors to the parking area and trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Hooker Falls trailhead, which is free of charge. The lot can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,228 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.202061° N, -82.623735° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls. If visiting in summer, consider bringing swimwear as swimming is allowed in the pool below the falls.
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For this easy 0.9 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Hampton Inn Brevard
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Oscar’s Hendo Retreat
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
SYCAMORE FLATS PICNIC SHELTER
7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter is located along the Davidson River on the Pisgah National Forest. This picnic area was named for the sycamore trees which line the banks of the river.The shelter is available on a first come, first served basis from mid-November to April 15th. Reservations are available April 16th through mid-November. Some amenities may not be available during the off-season. This is a popular destination with limited parking, please plan accordingly.Recreation Sycamore Fl
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, such as Triple Falls and High Falls, are located nearby and can be visited on the same day.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the pool below the falls.
Cities near Hooker Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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