Welcome to the Arena! As you walk the trail toward Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest imagine a world where the ‘Capitol’ controls your every move. Hike the steep hill and listen for the waterfall. It takes a little effort to get there but it is so worth it. At the overlook you can see the full waterfall. The movie, The Hunger Games, only shows a portion of the idyllic waterfall. Walk down the stairs to get the close up perspective of Katniss nearly stepping on Peeta. Stand on the rock at the base of the stairs and imagine that scene in the movie.

The trek to the scene where Katniss runs to escape the fireballs and jumps into the water to ease the pain of her burning leg is a much longer hike than Triple Falls. The soothing pool of water that gave Katniss only a second of relief before the Careers found her is at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. No matter which route you take to this fall, it will be at least four miles total. Bridal Veil is a very unique cascading waterfall with lots of fun boulders to climb.

Once you’re finished imagining Katniss’ world, remember you’re free and the beauty that surrounds you is there for you to enjoy. Thank goodness you won’t have to use a snare to catch a rabbit for your dinner! You can just head to town for some lamb stew.

As you experience the forest as Katniss did, please be warned that movie magic helped propel her across the river and for your safety you should NOT attempt to repeat her course. The number one cause of accidental death in the forests is falling from the tops of waterfalls.

Directions to Triple Falls:  To get to Triple Falls from Brevard leave downtown traveling south on 276 (Main Street). Stay on 276 for a little over 10 miles and turn left onto Cascade Lake Road. After another 2.5 miles turn right onto Staton Road (if you end up on a gravel road you missed the turn). Once on Staton Road you will travel a little over 2 miles – when you cross the bridge turn left into the parking area. Park in either the old lot or new one and take the newly, beautiful constructed foot traffic only bridge that runs below the road and takes you safely to the trail. You can’t miss it!

Directions to Bridal Veil Falls:  
Park at Buck Forest lot or High Falls access off of Staton Rd. This parking area is before the Hooker Falls parking area and will be to the right on Staton Road. Hike Buck Forest and cross over a covered bridge that is at the top of High Falls. Take a right on Conservation Rd and hike to a right turn on Bridal Veil Falls Rd. At the end of the road, the trail turns into a nice single track leading to the base of the falls. Hike to the falls is just about 2.2 miles – for a roundtrip of 4.4 miles.