How to See Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont State Forest

Published by Carl. Last Updated on July 29, 2024.

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Bridal Veil Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a stunning waterfall that has even been used as a film spot. The closest access area is only a few miles’ hike away, making it easy to access for most people.

Bridal Veil Falls is among the most unique waterfalls in North Carolina for a few cool reasons. Beyond the beauty and star power, this is one of few waterfalls that can be reached by foot or bicycle.

We’ll go into more detail about this waterfall, including when to visit, some things to do nearby, and more. Here’s how we’ve organized our guide to Bridal Veil Falls:

About the Falls
Bridal Veil Falls Driving Directions (Where to Park)
When to Visit
The Bridal Veil Falls Hike (or Bike Ride)
Places Nearby

About Bridal Veil Falls North Carolina

There are actually two waterfalls by the name of Bridal Veil Falls. The one detailed in this article is a 120-foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest. Then there is another Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands NC, close to Dry Falls and others along the Waterfall Byway.

The Bridal Veil Falls of this article has a ledge hanging over a vast granite plate that was featured in the award-winning film Last of the Mohicans.

The water follows the granite plate down into a pool that flows into the Little River toward DuPont’s other waterfalls. You can see this flow from multiple vantage points along the hike.

Due to injuries that have occurred here, walking on the rocky sides of Bridal Veil Falls is not permitted.

Driving Directions and Where to Park

The High Falls Access Area (89 Buck Forest Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718) is the closest to Bridal Veil Falls, about 2.2 miles away. You can also park at the Fawn Lake parking area (3051 Reasonover Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC), which is 2.9 miles away from Bridal Veil Falls.

In our “Bridal Veil Hike” section, we’ll be using the High Falls Access Area as our starting point.

When to Visit Bridal Falls North Carolina

Bridal Veil Falls DuPont State Forest NC

Bridal Veil Falls is beautiful throughout the year, but it’s especially stunning when the leaves start to grow in April or change color in the fall.

No matter what time of year you visit, we always recommend the earlier, the better, especially at DuPont State Forest. We’ve arrived early on weekdays and encountered a full parking lot by the time we came back from the hike.

The Bridal Veil Falls Hike (or Bike Ride)

Covered Bridge near Bridal Veil Falls DuPont State Recreational Forest

If you start from the High Falls parking area (where the Visitor Center is located), you can reach Bridal Veil Falls with a 4.4-mile round-trip hike.

Here’s a breakdown of directions from the High Falls Access Area to Bridal Veil Falls NC Hike:

There’s a gate past the High Falls Loop entrance where Buck Forest Road begins. Follow that for about half a mile to the covered bridge.
Soon after the covered bridge, turn right on Conservation Rd.
After about a mile on Conservation Rd, turn right on Bridal Veil Falls Rd and continue for another half-mile until the road’s end at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. You’ll pass a horse barn along the way.

You can ride a bike along the Bridal Veil Falls trail instead of hiking, which will cut your travel time in half. While the riding distance is short, there are a handful of tough hills to climb.

There is a bike rack at the front of the waterfall observation area.

Ready to Visit Bridal Veil Falls?

We think a visit to Bridal Veil Falls belongs on everyone’s bucket list! Whether you live in North Carolina or happen to be here enjoying a vacation, we hope you’ll make time to explore DuPont State Forest and the surrounding areas.

We’d love to know your thoughts about Bridal Veil! Let us know in the comments, or feel free to join our Facebook Group, where you can share photos and videos from your time here!

More DuPont State Park Hikes and Waterfalls

High Falls DuPont State Recreational Forest NC near Bridal Veil Falls

There is a network of trails covering over 80 miles for hiking and adventuring at DuPont State Forest. People come to explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback.

The most popular hike will take you 3 miles round-trip to three waterfalls: Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. After you complete that hike, you’ll hopefully have more time to continue exploring this park’s wonderfully maintained paths.

Wintergreen Falls is reachable after a 1.5-mile hike from the Guion Parking area. We highly recommend it, along with these other amazing hikes!

Nearby Places

While DuPont State Forest is within a short drive from Asheville, here are a few places closer to the park.

Brevard

Since it’s about 20 minutes away, you may already be using Brevard as your base for hiking to Bridal Veil Falls. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in this mountain town.

Brevard is known first and foremost as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Some of our favorites in the area include Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. You can see them all (including Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls) as you drive along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

Brevard’s unique downtown is also worthy of exploration, as they have truly incredible shops and restaurants. Head over to Brevard College for a chance to see one of those famed white squirrels.

Hendersonville

Hendersonville is about 25 minutes north of DuPont State Forest and the first of a few Henderson County towns that we’ll mention.

Stopping downtown is one of our favorite things to do. It’s home to nice shops, great restaurants, and a cozy atmosphere.

The town is peppered with apple orchards, great breweries, and some of the state’s best wineries (especially Burntshirt Vineyards).

Jump Off Rock is a gorgeous scenic overlook, about 15 minutes from town.

Holmes Educational State Forest is a smaller network of trails to complement your exploration of DuPont. We also loved Bearwallow Mountain, about 30 minutes north of downtown Hendersonville.

Flat Rock

Flat Rock is another great town just outside of Hendersonville. Its Carl Sandburg National Historic Site is a well-maintained National Parks-led tribute to the famed Pulitzer Prize author’s home.

Before leaving Flat Rock, make sure to hike the many trails, say hello to the many goats, and tour the house. Also, check out Sky Top Orchard, one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina.

The town is also home to quite a few delicious restaurants, including the best barbecue you’ll ever have at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse.

Mills River

Mills River is the last of our places near DuPont State Forest and Bridal Veil Falls. We love this community and enjoyed staying in the tiny homes of Acony Bell.

The town also boasts Sierra Nevada Brewing, one of the biggest named breweries in North Carolina. If you’re seeking a more intimate setting for your beer tasting, don’t forget to visit Burning Blush and Mills River Brewing.