Bridal Veil Falls
North Carolina • 120 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a graceful, widely photographed cascade tucked into Dupont State Forest. The waterfall spreads like a delicate veil as roughly 120 feet of water slides over sloped bedrock, creating broad viewing opportunities from several ledges and the forested rim. Its easy-to-appreciate beauty and accessibility make it a favorite stop for day hikers and photographers exploring the forest. The falls lie within the Dupont State Forest land unit and are managed as part of the forest's Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA); land ownership is listed as OTHS within that unit. Expect well-used viewpoints and short spur trails near the cascade — an inviting spot for a picnic or a quick nature break while exploring Dupont's network of trails and waterfalls.
The Setting
Bridal Veil Falls sits at 2,595 feet within Dupont State Forest, in the hills of North Carolina. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.
Height: 120 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
High Falls (125 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the north. Also nearby: Triple Falls (125 ft, 1.5 mi) and Rainbow Falls (100 ft, 3.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The approach to Bridal Veil Falls is a 4.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The trail is appropriate for hikers comfortable with moderate-distance forest walking and leads to established viewing areas at the falls; hikers should plan for a round trip of several hours depending on stops. Because trail conditions can vary with season and use, wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven footing on natural surfaces along the way.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bridal Veil Falls is during spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the surrounding foliage is at its most vibrant. Summer is also a popular time, but the trail and parking area may be crowded.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when exploring the area. Be aware of changing weather conditions, and avoid hiking during storms or heavy rain. Carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Davidson River, 8.2 miles away, not on Bridal Veil Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
60 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 103 years of record
0.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DAVIDSON RIVER NEAR BREVARD, NC (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
61 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
57 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Caesars Head hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Bridal Veil Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Bridal Veil Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 61 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 177 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 120 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 2,599 feet.
The ground changes about 163 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,599 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 177 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bridal Veil Falls is located within DuPont State Recreational Forest. From Brevard, take US-276 South to Cascade Lake Road, then follow signs to the forest. The trailhead for Bridal Veil Falls is accessible from the High Falls parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the High Falls parking area within DuPont State Recreational Forest. The lot can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,595 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.177061° N, -82.620680° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be uneven in some areas. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be cautious on the rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery.
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With 4.4 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Hampton Inn Brevard
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Oscar’s Hendo Retreat
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
SYCAMORE FLATS PICNIC SHELTER
8.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter is located along the Davidson River on the Pisgah National Forest. This picnic area was named for the sycamore trees which line the banks of the river.The shelter is available on a first come, first served basis from mid-November to April 15th. Reservations are available April 16th through mid-November. Some amenities may not be available during the off-season. This is a popular destination with limited parking, please plan accordingly.Recreation Sycamore Fl
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls, all located within DuPont State Recreational Forest. The town of Brevard is also nearby and offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter salamanders and other amphibians near streams.
Cities near Bridal Veil Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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