Little River, the main stream through DuPont State Forest in our county has been very low all summer and fall. And the water flowing over Hooker Falls has been much reduced. With the recent rain, the river level is back to normal and all the waterfalls along Little River are beautiful.
Hooker Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall in the area, only a short walk (not even a hike) from the parking lot. It is not tall, cascading a mere eleven feet, but it is wide and beautiful nonetheless. Fans of the recent version of "Last of the Mohicans" recall Hooker Falls as the waterfall the canoes went over.
Here is Hooker Falls, taken in the mist last week:
Little River is full and flowing recklessly over the rocks.
Compare the flow with this picture taken last June. Notice all the visible rocks, now hidden with normal flow.
A fisherman takes advantage of the swirling water, wading into the middle of the stream.
The normal flow of water near the horse ford along the trail to Hooker Falls:
How wonderful the rain has been. Transylvania County has been in a drought for two consecutive years. Despite the recent rains, we are still categorized as D3 - Extreme Drought Conditions. All of us are hoping for a wet winter and spring to replenish the water sheds.
10 comments:
I discovered a small fall during my weekend tramps in the southern tier. I have a feeling it was on private property, but, oh well. It certainly grew after some melt. I cannot wait to see the Funk Falls during the spring.
Your title caught my attention in my feed, lol. I didn't know you wrote about such things. Glad you are getting the rain you need after such dry seasons. It looks like a beautiful area. My husband asked for that movie in DVD for Christmas. I don't like the ending but will have to look for the falls.
Betsy and I visited Hooker Falls in the summer of 2006. It was pretty then, but it looks as if there is more water in your pictures. We'd like to go back when there's more water.
So fun to read about your views of our area. We live about 3 miles from Hooker Falls. We take alot of visitors to Hooker Falls in Dupont and Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah. - escpecially if they are not hikers or elderly. If we have visitors who love to hike, we go to Triple Falls or Bridal Vale Falls. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. And I hope we might have a chance to meet in 2009!
Penny
Nice photos! We've had the same slow, steady, soaking rain - great for the hay fields!
beautiful beautiful falls and streams and a trout stream at that judging by the fisherman. Merry Christmas Carolyn to you and yours.
troutbirder
Carolyn: What a neat little mountain stream.
Carolyn, We love the Dupont area. Hooker is pretty---but High Falls and Triple Falls are even more gorgeous. Then there's another one up there which we haven't seen, Bridal Veil. One of these days, we'll get back there. LOVE it... Gorgeous pictures. Makes me want to get out and hike!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
I'm so glad the rains have come - and without flooding! The falls are gorgeous!
science guy - I love even the smaller waterfalls, especially when you aren't expecting them.
Ruth - Almost all of "Last of the Mohicans" was filmed in our county and we have tried to visit most of the places. It is indeed a lovely area. I agree with you. I loved the movie, the scenery, and the music, but not the ending.
George - We're hoping to get normal rainfall so the waterfalls will carry their usual water.
Penny - Wow! We are pretty close to one another. We live in Connestee Falls, near Cedar Mountain. As you will note in the addendum, Triple Falls was almost obscured by the fog. We love the hike from Hooker to Triple to High Falls.
Dog geek - Oh, it was definitely a welcome sight.
Troutbirder - We have wonderful trout streams. Davidson River is especially attractive, since there is a big trout hatchery that releases trout into it. Little River (where this guy was fishing) is a bit more of a challenge.
Fishing Guy - Yes, the water all starts near here since we are on the Eastern Continental Divide. Coming from the mountains, the water is very pure.
Betsy - With all the hiking we do, we have not yet gone to Bridal Veil either. For sure on our list this winter or spring.
Helen - We are so delighted to get the gentle rain.
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