This waterfall in popular DuPont State Recreational Forest is overlooked by most that flock to the bigger waterfalls High Falls and Triple Falls. While it's not a tall one (20 feet), Wintergreen Falls is a beautiful setting on the quieter side of the forest. The 1.5-mile moderate trail takes you gradually downhill to the falls, so it's uphill coming back. But it's shaded and not strenuous. This is a popular area for horseback riding and mountain biking. The waterfall is named for the evergreen ground cover along the Grassy Creek.
As you approach the waterfall, you'll pass some beautiful cascades on the creek. You'll have to step over a few small boulders to reach the prime photo spot to see the waterfall. There's enough room for a small picnic!
Hike Details
To begin your 3-mile roundtrip hike, park at the Guion Farm Access Area on Sky Valley Road. The parking area is divided for horse trailers and vehicles for bikers and hikers. From the parking area, walk south on a gravel path through the meadow to the forest. There's no sign there, but this is Tarkiln Branch Road. Walk down the road for about one mile until you see the Wintergreen Falls Trail sign on the left. Walk about a half mile to Grassy Creek and walk upstream on the trail a short distance to the base of Wintergreen Falls.
Nearby
The trailhead for the hike to the top of Stone Mountain is just 1.5 miles away. Other waterfalls in DuPont State Forest include Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Hooker Falls and High Falls. On the other side of the forest, hike to the top of Cedar Rock for great views.
Dogs are allowed on a leash. Read much more about DuPont State Recreational Forest.
See a video of Wintergreen Falls
Driving Directions
Guion Farm Parking From Asheville and I-40: Take I-40 to exit 46A for I 26 East towards Hendersonville. Take I 26 east to Exit 40. Turn right off Exit 40 onto NC 280. Take NC 280 south 16 miles to US 64. Turn left onto US 64 and go 3.7 miles to the stop light. Turn right onto Crab Creek Rd and go 4.3 miles to DuPont Road. Turn right and go .7 miles on DuPont Road to a left on Sky Valley Road. Follow Sky Valley Road past the junction of Old CCC Road (becomes unpaved here) to the Guion Farm Access Area 1.6 miles on the right. See on Google Maps.
Guion Farm parking area is a prime spot for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. You'll even find a kids mountain bike trail!
Download a PDF of the DuPont Forest Trails Map. Save it to your phone before your go. 4 MB.
Check out this 360 video of Wintergreen Falls View by our friends at Hike NC With Me
