Hooker Falls

DuPont State Forest, North Carolina

Description

This waterfall is located in DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC.  The area contains many hiking trails as well as a few other waterfalls such as Triple Falls, High Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

This particular waterfall, while not particularly high (at only 14 feet), is very wide and handles an impressive volume of water.  This waterfall was also used in the movie Last of the Mohicans.  The hike is level and short and it's certainly worth the short trip IMO.

Getting There

To reach Hooker Falls drive 3.5 miles east of Brevard on US 64 and take a right on S.R. 1528 (Crab Creek Road).  Go about 4 miles and take another right onto S.R. 1259 (DuPont Road).  The road turns into S.R. 1593.  In roughly 3 miles you'll come across the parking area on the right and just before crossing the Little River bridge.  The trail for the falls is easy to find on the river side of the parking area.

Use the following link to customize your own directions to Hooker Falls.

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Hike Details

The hike is easy and is considered a disabled-access trail.  Just follow the trail downstream to the waterfall only 0.25 miles from parking.

Photo Tips

You will arrive at the top of the falls initially.  I took some photos here and didn't like any of them.  You can either scramble down the rocks to the base or go back to the trail and follow it downstream for 50 feet or so and cut through the trees.  All of my photos on the website were taken on the bank downstream.

Of primary importance for photographers will be the "openness" of the location.  Don't expect any shade to help with exposure.  Your only help will be to arrive really early, late, or to have an overcast day.

Because Hooker Falls is wide the only practical option is to shoot landscape.  Also because you will be relatively close to the waterfall a wide angle lens will certainly come in handy.

I always use a polarizer and it was certainly helpful to reduce glare.

With high flow conditions a tripod may be optional here but I used one so I could blur the water (normal for me).

Video

Here you go.