DuPont State Recreational Forest

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We made what we expected to be a quick stop to see two of the three falls at DuPont’s High Falls Access area (called Buck Forest Access Area before June 2010), and re-learned an elementary lesson in the process. (We didn’t get to Hooker Falls on this visit.)

Directions to the falls from the access area, provided by the Friends of DuPont Forest, list the trail lengths as half a mile, a third of a mile and less. So we figured we’d just amble off and make a quick visit when we were there in late June of 2007. To make the story of a long afternoon short, we didn’t put on boots or carry water, which was a mistake.

Trail lengths add up; our rule since is wear boots and carry water, no matter how far we plan to walk.

Below is the view of 120-foot High Falls from the official viewing area, which also has a picnic shelter. You can see the end of the covered bridge above the falls in the photo.

The High Falls Access is a gravel road that leads to wide, moderately easy trails that go to viewing points. Side trails and trails down to the river are more difficult.

A steep trail from the viewing area leads to this point at the foot of High Falls.

Many of DuPont’s trails are open to horses, and these riders were giving theirs a break near the top of High Falls.

The viewing spot for Triple Falls is less than a mile from the High Falls viewing/picnic area. The three cascades cover 150 feet, according to the Friends.

There are plenty of wide areas among the rocks near the two falls, and they are popular places for getting closer to the roaring water. However, the falls at Dupont claim lives every year of those who’ve been careless or foolish.