Postdated: Hooker Falls

Taken 2017-03-08

Hooker Falls is a 14' waterfall located on Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, NC. It is named after Edmund Hooker, who operated a nearby mill in the late 1800s.

The hike to Hooker Falls is 0.8mi round trip, in and out from the Hooker Falls Access Area. The trail is a fairly easy one, with minimal elevation change. There are two places where the waterfall can be seen - an upper platform situated near the top of the falls which is handicap accessible and the lower beach area. Apparently it's a popular place for swimming during the summer months as well, though the Forest Service does not provide lifeguards nor do they recommend swimming near the falls.

The trail itself is not particularly handicap-friendly, but the Forest Service will provide transportation upon request.

Overall I really enjoyed the walk to Hooker Falls. I'd hesitate to even call it a hike because the trail was so easy. My dogs enjoyed the walk as well. It was not terribly busy when I visited, but it is most likely very busy during the summer months.

-Brandy

Postdated: Looking Glass Falls

Taken 2017-03-08

Looking Glass Falls is a 60' waterfall located within Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. It's named for a nearby landmark (Looking Glass Rock) and lies along Looking Glass Creek.

This waterfall is super easy to reach - it's literally right beside US-276. Parking is street side. I was actually really surprised at how easy it was to get to considering the hikes required to reach other waterfalls in WNC. I'd always heard about Looking Glass (both the falls and the rock) but had never actually been out there.

It's stairs all the way down, so not too bad on the knees. The falls can be clearly seen from the top of the stairs as well so you can visit and enjoy seeing the falls even if you have mobility issues.

I was also somewhat surprised at how busy it was despite it being early March at the time I visited. I didn't stay too long because my dogs aren't crazy about lots of loud people but there were plenty of people and dogs there enjoying the water.

There weren't any kind of on-site facilities, but that is to be expected from a site within a National Forest (pack in it, pack it out!). However, the city of Brevard is just a short drive away so no worries there.

I'd like to have taken some more photos, but at the time I was juggling two dogs (one had to be carried up and down the steps). Maybe I'll go back sometime over the summer and stay longer if it isn't too crowded.

-Brandy