My very young eldest daughter and I spent a day in DuPont Forest in May. It is located in southwestern North Carolina and has many lovely areas to explore. Instead of hiking to each destination, we participated in the Tour de Falls. For a small donation, we were driven to parking areas near three waterfalls and Lake Julia.
The Little River tumbles and falls over rocks as it winds its way to lower and lower elevations. Along the way it creates several waterfalls. The looks and the sounds are mesmerizing. This is a section of the river is just below Triple Falls.
Triple falls is an amazing sight as the river slides down 150 feet in threes separate sections. Take note of the man in the red shirt to the right side between the second and third sections of the falls.
Bridal Veil Falls is formed as the Little River makes its descent over another huge area of exposed stone. There were dozens of people walking up the rock face making it very difficult to frame a shot showing the unspoiled beauty of this natural wonder.
Lake Julia was very nice, but the wildflowers in the surrounding woods grabbed my attention. Here are three of my favorites.
The muted color of the wild geranium is lovely. To my eye, the delicate beauty of its bloom outshines the over saturated color of its domesticated counterpart.
Lilly of the valley is a beautiful small wildflower. The stem with multiple small white bell-like blooms looks as if it might find a home on a wedding cake, but the plant is poisonous.
Yellow Lady Slipper always takes my breath away. Even though I have recently photographed it several times in the wild, it is relatively uncommon. I hiked many years without seeing it.
The tour is available one weekend in the spring and another in the fall. If you want to learn more about the tour go to http://www.dupontforest.com/tourdefalls.html This was my first visit to DuPont Forest and the tour provided a great introduction. I know there are many more beautiful sights within the borders of the forest just waiting for my discovery. I plan to go back and explore more of the 10000 acres at a slower pace.
Special thanks to Marnie for sharing this day trip with me.
If you have visited the falls in DuPont Forest, please share you experience in the comments section. I would to see your photos of the area.
Special thanks to Marnie for sharing this day trip with me.
If you have visited the falls in DuPont Forest, please share you experience in the comments section. I would to see your photos of the area.