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Hooker Falls Access Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 575 Google reviews · Running trail in Hendersonville, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hooker Falls Access Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hiking trails leading to waterfalls, plus a popular swimming hole.
What runners say about Hooker Falls Access Area
“There is free public parking and clean bathroom facilities.”
“I had such a phenomenal time at Hooker Falls, hiking and swimming and taking in the beautiful views.”
“Be sure to make this a stop on your trip if you are looking for an easy hike with a big pay off!”
We love the swimming hole/ beach area. The new longer trail is also nice. I'm not sure if the old trail washed out or if they rerouted it preemptively. Regardless, they did a good job. Easy to get to highfalls, the covered bridge, etc. All great moderate hikes. Low Falls access stairs are blocked as of now.
Beautiful place to go on a hike! The area does get fairly crowded, mostly because of how pretty it is! Whether you're a more experienced hiker, looking to take the pooch for a walk, or looking for a family outing, there's something here for everyone
Short hike to the Falls. Very nice falls and swimming hole. We carried the kayaks down to the falls and paddled down the Little River. The river is tranquil and isolated. Very nice trip.
One of our favorite waterfall hikes in NC. It's a short walk from the parking down to the falls. Our 6 and 9 yo girls climbed the falls and swam in the base. The water is cold, even in the summer months, but it's quite refreshing. I highly suggest visiting on a weekday in the summer.
Trail conditions & character
“I had such a phenomenal time at Hooker Falls, hiking and swimming and taking in the beautiful views.”
“There’s a nice parking lot, restrooms and you can hop right on to the triple falls trail when you’re done if you choose to.”
“You can stay at the bottom, or hike up a short, steep hill for different viewpoints (worth it!”
“There’s a nice parking lot, restrooms and you can hop right on to the triple falls trail when you’re done if you choose to.”
“Our senior dog would have had a hard time with the trail but our young pup did great.”
“Hooker falls is a short and flat "hike" (walk) to the right (before crossing the bridge).”
“Overall a great spot for kids as it's both accessible as well as easy to access the falls.”
Plan your run at Hooker Falls Access Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Hendersonville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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