Bridal Veil Falls NC
Dupont State Forest, North Carolina

Bridal Veil Falls NC

Bridal Veil Falls NC is a must-add to your list if you are planning to hike the other awesome waterfalls tucked away in the heart of the remarkable Dupont State Forest.  If you love to experience waterfalls instead of just viewing them, this one is definitely for you!

Stepping foot into Western North Carolina's beautiful woodlands, you'll instantly be captivated by the lush greenery, diverse wildlife, crystal-clear babbling brooks, and the masterpiece that is Bridal Veil Falls NC. This waterfall stands out among the other North Carolina waterfalls because of it’s sloping granite face, which allowed Frankie and I to race each other all the way to the top on our first visit.

Sloping Granite Face

Trail To Bridal Veil Falls NC

The trail to Bridal Veil Falls is a leisure hike up a gravel road for roughly 4.4 miles with a moderate difficulty level, making it accessible for both seasoned hikers and those relatively new hikers trying to get a little exercise and see some beauty along the way. As you make your way along the gravel road, you'll be greeted by a symphony of bird songs and the tantalizing aroma of the North Carolina forest, but if you’re there in the heat of the summer, be prepared by packing plenty of water as the gravel trail is wide and pretty exposed.

Bridal Veils Falls is a bit of a unique waterfall in that its flow dramatically cascades over a massive flat slab of granite, before delicately drizzling down like a bridal veil, which makes for a pretty cool photo if you frame it up just right from the approach trail.  You can do like we did and take advantage of the opportunity for an under-the-falls crouching photo under an overhanging ledge of the falls.

Chris Under Bridal Veil Falls NC - 1
Hands From Under Falls

Although Dupont State Forest is home to several other impressive waterfalls, such as High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls, none share the same characteristics as Bridal Veil Falls. If you take advantage of it, this waterfall's charm and aura stays with you, creating memories that you'll fondly remember long after you've left the forest, like it did for us.

As with any waterfall hike, timing can dramatically affect your experience. In the case of Bridal Veil Falls, visiting after a rainfall can lead to an impressive display of its raw power and beauty.  In fact, you’ll want to make sure that if walking up the granite slab, you’re footing is sure because many an accident has occurred when scrambling around waterfalls and streams when the exposed granite is so wet and slick.

Beyond the waterfalls, Dupont State Forest offers many outdoor attractions. With over 10,000 acres of forests, you can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing in pristine lakes, or simply going for a scenic drive through the woods.

Just a reminder to be sure to visit the other North Carolina waterfalls at Dupont that we named above, as they are all in very close proximity to Bridal Veil Falls and each presents its own unique beauty and provides additional hiking and great photo ops.

Nearby Restaurants

As you conclude your day of adventure, satisfying your hunger should be next on the list. And nearby towns don't disappoint with countless quality restaurants to cater to every palate and even special dietary needs. 

For example, once in Hendersonville, we ate at the cool and eclectic Never Blue, where I had the unique culinary experience eating a cricket taco!  It was surprisingly delicious!

And, in nearby Brevard, we grabbed some high class grub at The Square Root.  If memory serves me correctly (it’s been a few years), I got the Hanger Steak with Lyonnaise Potatoes and I definitely remember sharing the Wok Fried Brussels Sprouts with sweet ginger chili glaze.  Both were amazing!

Accomodations Nearby

Accommodations are plentiful and varied, too. You can find everything from charming bed & breakfasts, luxurious lodges, and even quaint little boutique hotels, all just a quick drive from Dupont State Forest. For the more adventurous, camping under the stars in the forest is an experience definitely worth considering.  The last time we were in Brevard, we stayed at the eclectic Sunset Motel and loved it!

When you decide to hike to Bridal Veil Falls NC, remember the words of John Muir, "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks". So, go with an open heart, soul, and enjoy every single moment of the experience.

Bridal Veil Falls NC-2

Safety should always remain a prime concern with every waterfall hiking adventure. We have been to places and learned after we left there, that people have literally died from some of the same exact spots where we had stood. So be sure to stick to the designated trails, observe all signage even when it seems stupid and respect the natural environment by leaving no trace of your presence. Remember to pack necessities like water, good hiking boots or shoes (my favorite are Altra Lone Peak All Weather Mids), and always get an early start to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for your selfies.  Hahaha!

So, grab your hiking shoes, pack up some trail snacks, and set your sights on Bridal Veil Falls NC. Let this waterfall enchant you, refresh you, and leave you with a deep appreciation for nature. Your adventure in Dupont State Forest awaits!

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