DuPont State Forest
Forest supervisor David Brown
Forest Events & Announcements
June 8, 2010 - Over 50 people gathered at DuPont State Forest on Saturday, June 5 to improve 8 miles of forest trails and inform the public about the importance of recreational trails and their contribution to healthy lifestyles. The groups participating in the work day were Friends of DuPont Forest (FODF), Southern Off-Road Bikers Association from the Pisgah Area and Upstate chapters, Pisgah Trail Blazers and Four Circles Recovery. Thirty seven people were divided into five work crews and each crew was assigned a trail project. They trimmed back vegetation, drained wet spots and removed fallen trees.
As the work progressed on the trails, 21 FODF volunteers staffed information stations at five parking lots around the forest. They gave out maps and trail information, answered questions and provided cold water to visitors. The volunteers also distributed a publication from the American Hiking Society entitled "Trails for Health."
The DuPont trails day event was a part of National Trails Day. Other trail recognition events took place in other parks and forests in Western North Carolina and across the country.
"The event came at a good time for us," stated David Brown, Forest Supervisor. "Many area summer camps are opening for the season, and lots of them use our trails," he said. "It is great to get kids out in the woods, whether on foot, riding a bicycle or on a horse. It is good exercise and gets them in touch with nature. I really appreciate the volunteers giving their time to help us get ready for the busy summer season."
Lots of events and activities took place in DuPont State Forest during May. Events included llama pack trials, several guided hikes, a guided bike ride and guided bus tours for area retirement homes. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education held four fishing clinics during May. FODF, Pisgah Trail Blazers, Carolina Mule Association and Asheville High Riders 4-H Club participated in volunteer work days. FODF held a training session for volunteers, Henderson County Rescue Squad conducted search and rescue training, Mountain Home Fire and Rescue had chainsaw field training, Conn-Arts Studio held an art class, and there was training on wetland assessment. There were three picnic shelter reservations, ten handicap reservations and a film project during May.
The Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association helped with trail work and other forest improvement projects on June 7th and 8th. North Carolina Emergency Management has training planned at the forest in June. The Free Rein Clinic has a fund raising event scheduled for June 26th. Additional fishing clinics and guided hikes are scheduled. There are several picnic shelter reservations on the books, but some shelters are still available, especially on weekdays.
Location
The 10,400 acre DuPont State Forest is located in Henderson and Transylvania Counties between the towns of Hendersonville and Brevard.
To reach the forest from Asheville, take I-26 east toward the Asheville Airport. Exit at the Airport (exit 40) and head south on NC-280 for about 16 miles. Turn left onto US -64 (heading east) for about 4 miles. In Penrose, turn right onto Crab Creek Road for about 4 miles to DuPont Road. Turn right on DuPont Road and continue for 3.1 miles.
To reach the forest from Brevard, take US 276 south to Cedar Mountain and turn left on Cascade Lake Road. Continue on Cascade Lake road for 2.5 miles, then turn right on Staton Road/DuPont Road. Continue on Staton Road/DuPont Road for 1.5 miles until you reach the High Falls access area.
To reach the forest from Hendersonville, take US 25 Business (Church Street) south to Kanuga Road. Turn right on Kanuga Road, which becomes Crab Creek Road, and go 11 miles. Turn left on DuPont Road and continue for 3.1 miles.
For internet mapping or turn-by-turn GPS, enter the intersection of Staton Road and Cascade Lake Road. From there, head northeast on Staton Road for 1.5 miles until you reach the High Falls access area.
Forest Information
Forest Rules (PDF)Annual Report from the Forest Supervisor (PDF)
Weather Station Data
Maps
Vicinity Map (PDF, 8.5 x 11)
Trails Map (PDF, 11 x 17)
Waterfalls Map (PDF, 8.5 x 11)
Photos
Lake Dense.
Triple Falls.
Hooker Falls.
Stone Mountain.
Management is conducted for many species of wildlife at the forest, including deer such as this buck.
A rattlesnake is one of the natural hazards in the forest visitors should be aware of.
Contact Information
Telephone:
Email:
PO Box 300
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718-0300
Voice: 828-877-6527
Fax: 828-862-8531
dupontsf.dfr@ncdenr.gov
WARNING: Although beautiful to see, waterfalls can be very dangerous. Every year people fall TO THEIR DEATH after a slip on wet rocks above and around waterfalls in the area.
- Never climb around waterfalls, swim, wade or play in the water above a waterfall.
- Children must be constantly supervised when visiting waterfalls.
- Do not allow pets to roam freely.
It is easy to underestimate the slickness of rocks and the strong flow of water. Stay on the established trails and enjoy the view from the overlooks.
DuPont State Forest contains 10,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Elevations range from 2,240 feet at Cascade Lake to 3,620 feet at the peak of Stone Mountain. Little River runs through the forest, with four major waterfalls along its course. The forest also contains five lakes. The largest is 99-acre Lake Julia. The forest has over 80 miles of roads and trails that are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Habitats within the forest include Upland oak forests, cove forests, granite domes, riparian areas, mountain bogs, small wildlife openings, lakes, streams and the Little River.
DuPont State Forest participates in the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Game Lands program. Hunting is allowed, but requires a permit issued by the commission. Visitors should be aware of hunting seasons and current hunting dates and take safety precautions during those times.
Rock climbing and wading above waterfalls is not allowed.
The NC Forest Service appreciates the assistance and partnership of the Friends of DuPont State Forest, a 501[c]3 non-profit volunteer service organization working to enhance public use and enjoyment of the forest while protecting its natural resources.