Since DuPont State Recreational Forest was saved from real estate development, its 10,000 acres and 86 miles of trails have become a favorite playland for exploring the great outdoors. The forest was used to shoot scenes from the 19… Get on Dupont Road and head toward the park. DuPont State Recreational Forest will begin the first phase of its reopening plan Thursday. Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors. Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. The forest is presently open … Lake Imaging Access Area DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more Covid-19 information, consult the DHHS website at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19/covid-19-guidance#phase-1-easing-of-restrictions. The Citizen Times is providing this story for free to readers because of the need for information about the coronavirus. You will see a parking area on the right. You will need to register before adding a comment. The Arboretum is reopening its trails on Saturday, as well, but limiting capacity to 50 percent. The forest opens to the public at 5 a.m. Holmes Educational State Forest opens to the public at 9 a.m. All trails are multiple use and open to mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use. High Falls has been known for years to local residents. Park superintendents have examined each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with public health guidance. DuPont won't reopen yet — but will soon. The name of the road will change to Staton Road. Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. DuPont State Recreational Forest is a highly trafficked public land with approximately 800,000 visitors annually. Rate this attraction Submit. Come prepared to share trails with all types of users. "The importance of our parks and trails to North Carolinians has become quite apparent during this pandemic," said State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson. Trail courtesy is critical during this time to ensure safe access for everyone. Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. Following guidance from the Governor's office and the Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina 's state parks will increase recreational access and services beginning May 9. Write a Review. Hooker Falls Access Area. All rights reserved. DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. Featuring an array of stunning destination features such as the mighty waterfalls of the Little River, DuPont State Recreational Forest, or DSRF, has quickly become one of the most popular recreation areas in the Mountains since its opening in the mid 1990's. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. DuPont offers everything from gentle forest roads to exciting single tracks, with an impressive variety of scenic attractions located only minutes apart. Like many other public lands in Western North Carolina, DuPont Forest got hammered with visitors over the weekend. Dupont State Forest Office Reviews & Ratings. It is situated on a plateau of the Little River valley , with waterfalls and rolling land bordered by moderately steep hills and mountains. Visitors should also follow local health orders, maintain social distancing, bring hand sanitizer and reusable water bottles, avoid high-risk activities that could lead to calling first responders who are needed elsewhere during the pandemic, and practice Leave No Trace principles. “DuPont State Recreational Forest is an incredible natural resource that we are fortunate as a state to have,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Please be polite. On the weekends, parking areas fill up fast and many people are on the trails. DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. In 2011, DuPont State Forest was redesignated as a State Recreational Forest by the North Carolina General Assembly, to be managed primarily for natural resource preservation, scenic enjoyment and recreational purposes, including horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, hunting and fishing. WHEN TO VISIT: Because of the ease of access to waterfalls, DuPont State Forest is a very popular place to visit. Trail courtesy is critical during this time to ensure safe access for everyone. Boyle column: Church spread COVID for Christmas? Some locations may … This sign at Triple Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest is pretty clear. Fired Buncombe officer, deputies punched, tased family: federal suit, Mission Hospital bans most visitors amid COVID surge, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. DuPont State Recreational Forest and Holmes Educational State Forest will not be reopening this weekend. Cleaning procedures effective for COVID-19 disinfection are established and staff are trained to disinfect restrooms and high-touch areas. DuPont Forest is accessible all year and is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. DuPont State Recreational Forest: Unbelievable waterfalls and great open hiking trails - See 740 traveler reviews, 991 candid photos, and great deals for Cedar Mountain, NC, at Tripadvisor. Signs around the trails will let you know if anything is closed due to weather, downed trees, or maintenance. base of High Falls. Bring your family, pups, and bikes, because you are sure to find a family-fun adventure with Dupont … With over 10,000 acres and 86 miles of trails, DuPont State Forest has become one of the most popular places to go hiking near Asheville, especially for its waterfalls that are among the best in North Carolina. All picnic areas, swimming areas and waterfronts will remain closed. DuPont State Recreational Forest is temporarily closed effective March 24, 2020. How to get there: This should look familiar to you: Using your GPS device or maps, search for Dupont State Forest or look for the intersection of Crab Creek Road and Dupont Road. DuPont State Recreational Forest PO Box 300 Cedar Mountain, NC 28718-0300 Voice: 828-877-6527 Fax: 828-862-8531 dupontsf.ncfs@ncagr.gov HOURS: DuPont State Forest is open 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. of Health and Human Services – wear a mask or cloth face covering; wait in line at least 6 feet away from others and wash hands frequently. Portions of the forest formerly contained a manufacturing facility for the production of X-ray film. "We are forming plans and doing preparatory work right now toward opening the forests in a way that promotes safe behavior," said Bruce Macdonald, with DuPont Forest. Dupont State Forest Office Currently Open. They're still ironing out essential safety details — like how bathrooms will be cleaned — and won't be ready in time to reopen with many state parks on May 9. There were too many people unwilling to follow the social distancing guidelines putting the health of our community at risk. To ensure health and safety, park visitors should follow the "Three W's" as outlined by the N.C. Dept. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. © 2020 www.citizen-times.com. Locations were filmed only 6 miles away from the campground. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. Park staff ask that visitors check the park webpage for detailed information before their visit rather than calling the park office. DuPont State Recreational Forest, commonly known as DuPont Forest, is a 12,500-acre (51 km ) state forest, located in Henderson and Transylvania counties of North Carolina. Dupont State Recreational Forest Overview. Read or Share this story: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/05/13/dupont-forest-partially-reopens-may-14-many-popular-spots-stay-closed/5187737002/, (Photo: Karen Chávez/KChavez@CitizenTimes.com), Boyle column: Seriously, 'Let's be careful out there', Coronavirus: Many state parks partially reopen May 9; Pisgah forest, Gorges on May 13, Coronavirus: Much of Blue Ridge Parkway in WNC to reopen May 15, small section May 9, Word from the Smokies: New bee discovered after fire, Blue Ridge Parkway car accident kills woman, Asheville School responds to lawsuit claiming sexual abuse by teachers. DSRF is the only State Recreational Forest in North Carolina. DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. However, as you’ll see, many folks also come here for … Visitors seek out this natural wonder for its waterfalls, native fauna, camping, and recreational opportunities. DuPont State Recreational Forest, Cedar Mountain: Address, Phone Number, DuPont State Recreational Forest Reviews: ... the parking lots were all full causing traffic to simply circle around waiting for an open spot and very crowded trails near Triple Falls and High Falls.