DuPont State Forest
Forest supervisor David Brown
Forest Events & Announcements
Current Trail Closures as of May 12, 2012
- Closed for maintence:
- Rifle Trail
- Reasonover Creek Trail
- Periodically closed for logging activity:
- Hickory Mountain Road (southern end)
- White Pine Trail (northern end)
- White Pine Loop
- Poplar Trail
The Galax Trail and Sheep Mountain Trail (lower end) also remain closed until further notice.
Harvesting Update - May 10, 2012
As a result of more favorable weather conditions, significant progress has been made towards completing the Guion Farm harvesting project. It is now anticipated that logging activity will finish by June 1, 2012. Please continue to check this website for further updates and information.
For your safety honor trail closures that are in place during the harvesting operation.
Location
View Larger Map
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.
Land & Resource Management Plan
The intent of the DuPont State Recreational Forest Land and Resource Management Plan is to provide the ecological context within which management will be conducted on the forest, to describe the desired future condition of natural resources throughout the forest toward which management will be directed, and to outline appropriate management techniques to work towards those conditions. The goals and objectives presented in this plan were developed to support other statewide initiatives regarding natural resource conservation and education.
Questions or comments regarding the plan can be directed to management forester Brian Schneider.
- DuPont State Forest Land & Resource Managment Plan
- Appendix A: Crosswalk
- Appendix B: Historical Overview
- Appendix C1: Map of Natural Communities
- Appendix C2: Map of Recreational Trails and Roads
- Appendix C3: Map of Dedicated Nature Preserve Areas
- Appendix C4: Map of Soil Types
- Appendix C5: Map of Water Resources and Topography
- Appendix D: Soil Types
Forest Information
Forest Rules (PDF)Obtaining a Vehicle Permit for Persons with Disabilities (PDF)
Gameland Hunting Dates (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.ncfs@ncagr.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.