Dupont State Forest, NC

July 7, 2007 on 4:13 pm | In Mountain |

On October 23, 2000, the North Carolina Council of State voted unanimously to condemn and purchase the 2200 acres of land owned by developer Jim Anthony and landlocked by 8000+ acres of land called the DuPont State Forest. The Anthony property, located in Henderson and Transylvania counties is the heart of a 10,000-acre tract formerly owned and managed by DuPont Corporation. For many years, DuPont employees and guests used the area for a variety of outdoors recreational pursuits. The sale divided the original property and the primary trail connectors along with the world-class waterfalls went to private development interests.

Of particular note is the diverse groundswell of support which came together as Friends of the Falls. FOF’s long-term effort to preserve this natural treasure for the future deserves national recognition. Ably and tirelessly led by JoJo and Woody Keen, this recent conservation effort is an all-to-unusual success story, especially in western North Carolina. Amazingly, Friends of the Falls was able to have a pivotal impact on a piece of property under development. Thanks, also, to the many Bio Wheels web visitors that acted on the article we posted as the battle was heating up.

What to do within DuPont State Forest:
Check out the waterfalls (Triple, High and Bridal Veil) on the Little River. Ride or hike across the granite slabs and outcrops scattered throughout the forest.
The mountain biking is accessible for all riding levels (please remember we share the trails with family hikers, horseback riders, birdwatchers, etc.)

DuPont State Forest is a late addition to the hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails we already enjoy in Western North Carolina. With large expanses of slickrock riding, it is being heralded as the Moab of the East. But slickrock is not the only offering. There are large pine forests and tremendous waterfalls with twisting singletrack in all directions. The 10,000-acre forest boasts over 90 miles of riding trails. There are abundant trails for all ability levels. Beginners can get out and enjoy beautiful scenery, and advanced riders will be amazed at the quality trails and challenges in this diverse terrain.

We can deliver a Dupont Map to your door from our Yahoo store.

A lower resolution .pdf is available here.

Enjoy this slideshow.