What is an airstrip doing in the middle of DuPont State Recreational Forest? Why the formal entrance into a state forest? And how did the lakes come to be?

Join a moderate all-day hike through historic DuPont Forest where you will walk, talk, take photos and even speculate. DuPont Forest is in Cedar Mountain, located between Hendersonville and Brevard. You will visit Bridal Veil Falls and four lakes. Although the hike focuses on DuPont Forest history, you might see some early spring flowers and buds. The hike is 7.5 miles and about 800 feet of altitude gain over the day.  The trails are well-maintained but will be muddy and rocky.

Meet at the Transylvania County Library (212 S Gaston St, Brevard, NC) by 8:20am. You will depart from there in a caravan and arrive at the Fawn Lake Access Area of DuPont just before 9am. Wear light boots or good sneakers with hiking sock, a rain jacket (no matter the weather forecast) and a couple of layers of warm clothing – a long sleeve shirt and a fleece. Bring lunch and snacks and at least one quart of water – two pints. Water will not be available on the hike. There are no toilets in the forest.

You will stop several times for trail breaks in the woods. There is also no cell service in the area including the forest. Note: For liability reasons, no dogs are allowed on this hike.

Danny Bernstein is the leader. She is a hiker, hike leader and outdoor writer. Her most recent book is DuPont Forest: A History.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave. Participants also must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/iT3yqB3Z5jGmEHZ39

Carpooling is not allowed unless participants are of the same household or a trusted friend.

There is a limit of 25 participants and nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.

Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time the group is stopped or gathered. They must be worn any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants. Social distancing is required while you hike.

Rain Date: Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed.

For more info, please click here.