Another week and another Waterfall Wednesday featuring another one of the beautiful waterfalls that can be found in Dupont State Forest. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Bridal Veil Falls on a beautiful sunny day.
You never know who or what you might see when hiking. We loved seeing this elderly dog hitching a ride with his owner in a backpack.
We headed out from the parking lot and started on our way. The history of this waterfall is pretty spectacular including being featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. There is a scene in the movie where the characters appear to be having a conversation behind the waterfalls. Kevin Adams in North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide offers the explanation. Apparently this scene was shot in a studio in Asheville and did not actually occur on site. The waterfalls are featured in the film but not in that particular scene.
From a distance the falls appear huge.
Up close they are so impressive and I can totally understand their name after sitting at the base of the massive waterfall.
A few facts from author Kevin Adams:
Elevation: 2, 640 feet
River: Little River
River Basin: French Broad
Type of Waterfall and Height: Short, overhanging free fall into a long slide ending in a final short free falling section. Drop is about 120 feet
And did I mention it is beautiful?
Chris and I are sticklers for safety when it comes to hiking around these waterfalls. There is a trail to the left of the falls that allows a better view from another vantage point but it is not a trail that is encouraged by the park. I am not sure if there is a sign by it but it is definitely not a trail made by the park for use. Of course not everyone uses good sense and every year there are rescues and unfortunately deaths around the waterfalls in our area due to carelessness or people just plain ignoring signs. I know that there might be a perfect picture taken up there but it is not worth my life.
Should I keep Waterfall Wednesday coming? Let me know in the comments section and remember that every comment this month goes for our Comments for a Cause – Folds of Honor.
