The forest served as a primary filming location for the 2012 film 'The Hunger Games,' specifically for the arena scenes at Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
The property was acquired by the State of North Carolina in stages beginning in 1996 to prevent private development of the waterfall corridors.
Cedar Mountain, the forest’s namesake, sits on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, an area known for high rainfall levels supporting lush vegetation.
There are no trash cans within the forest boundaries; it operates under a strict Leave No Trace policy.
The forest is a working forest, meaning timber management and research occur alongside public recreation.
DuPont State Recreational Forest covers 10,473 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties, renowned for its extensive network of multi-use trails and iconic waterfall sequences. The forest features four primary waterfalls—Hooker, Triple, High, and Bridal Veil Falls—accessible via a series of linked hiking, biking, and equestrian paths. The Little River serves as the central artery for these cascades, flowing through diverse temperate forest landscapes. Visitors utilize over 80 miles of trails, ranging from gravel forest service roads to single-track paths. The terrain supports significant biodiversity and serves as a public-access recreational hub. The landscape is characterized by its granite domes, including Stone Mountain and Big Rock Mountain, which offer expansive views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Management is provided by the North Carolina Forest Service. The forest contains no camping facilities, making it strictly a day-use destination.
The mid-level viewing platform at Triple Falls.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cell service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout the forest.
Prioritize visiting on weekdays to avoid high trail traffic and parking overflow at the main access points.
Bring specialized hiking footwear with deep treads, as trail surfaces can be slippery near the waterfall basins.
Attempting to swim or climb on the waterfall rocks, as these areas are prone to dangerous currents and slippery surfaces.
Open year-round, though specific trailheads may close periodically due to maintenance or weather-related road damage.
Leash all dogs at all times, stay on marked trails to protect native flora, and carry out all refuse.
