Accessibility – Easy

Height – 14′

Distance – Approx .3 mile each way

Beauty – 6

Photo rating – 7

Solitude – 3

GPS Info: LAT 35.2019 LONG -82.6234

Last Updated: 02/19/2016

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This hike begins at the Hooker Falls parking area on Station Rd. (DuPont Rd.). Approaching from Cascade Lake Rd. the entrance to the parking area is on the left after 3.2 miles. Coming from Crab Creek Rd. the entrance is on the right after 4.2 miles. The lot does fill up so plan on making this an early stop. I don’t know that Hooker Falls is worth a separate trip but it makes for a nice starter hike before heading upstream to see Triple Falls and High Falls or a great place to unwind after seeing the other falls.

From the Hooker Falls parking area follow the path out of the lot heading away from the bridge over the creek. The hike is around a quarter of a mile along a gravel road with only a modest elevation change. Due to the ease of the hike and the large pool at the base of the falls, you will likely not be enjoying this waterfall yourself. Before the trail winds around to the base of the falls, there is an overlook. The waterfall is around 15 feet high and from the overlook it may appear tempting to climb down but this isn’t recommended. I would hate for the forest service to erect a fence around the overlook because you took a header off the cliff. Don’t ruin it for everyone else. The large pool at the base of the falls is calm enough for swimming and is frequently full of people, making it challenging to get a good photo in warmer months.

The hike is kid friendly and the only real danger is a lapse in judgment on the overlook. My daughter Alana really liked this waterfall because she was allowed to take her shoes off and stand in the water at the base, which seemed like a good idea until she realized the water was 62 degrees. She didn’t stay in for long. The surrounding forest above the waterfall frames the river well for shots from the cleaning at the base, making this the best vantage. During busier periods you will have to time it right to avoid the masses. Once again, if you’re looking serenity, you won’t find it here unless it’s winter time. Get your shot and head for Triple Falls.