Go behind the scenes and explore the beautiful mountain locations filmed for The Hunger Games. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite tributes with these day trip itineraries, then retire to Asheville just like the stars did.
Downtown Asheville
Although none of the movie was actually filmed in downtown Asheville, it did provide a home for the stars during their months of filming in Western North Carolina. Learn where to visit some of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson's favorite places here.
DuPont State Forest
The woods and waterfalls of DuPont provided a perfectly deadly backdrop for the arena scenes.
From Asheville, take I-240 W to I-26 E. Take Exit 40 and turn right on Hwy 280 W. Follow this for 4.7 miles until the road becomes Hwy 191 S. Turn right on School House Road and immediately bear left onto Ladson Rd. After you cross a river, turn right onto US 64 W. Follow US 64 W for 7.4 miles, then turn left onto Crab Creek Rd. After 4.3 miles, Dupont Road will be on your right. Follow it to the parking area near Triple Falls.
Points of Interest:
Triple Falls – Just an easy hike from the parking area, Triple Falls provided some of the most iconic shots of the Games, such as when Katniss finds a wounded Peeta camouflaged among the rocks.
Bridal Veil Falls – After barely fleeing a firestorm, a flaming Katniss splashes down into a pool at the bottom of these beautiful falls. Start this hour-long hike by parking at the High Falls Parking area (about 1 mile up the road from the Triple/Hooker Falls parking area). Walk around the vehicle gate onto Buck Forest Road and cross the covered bridge. Take a right on Conservation Road, then a right on Bridal Veil Falls Road, which will lead you to the falls.
Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours – Guided tours point out filming scenes and stare behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the movie.
Town of Brevard – Shop, dine and stroll in this picturesque small town.
Elk Watching at Cataloochee – Catch a sneak peek at an elk herd and experience what it means to be in touch with nature, just like Katniss.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Because the actual filming location is closed to the public, Craggy Gardens is the best place to catch a view of the North Fork Reservoir, home to the Cornucopia and select Arena scenes.
Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from town, and park at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at milepost 367.
Points of Interest in the Area:
Craggy Gardens – One of the most beautiful points along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mt. Mitchell – The highest peak east of the Mississippi.
Folk Art Center – Handmade crafts and fine art make this a must-see while traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Black Mountain – Visit unique shops, art galleries and restaurants located in this cozy small town.
Coleman Boundary/Big Ivy
A magical forest that takes you into the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. Although the cave that Katniss and Peeta use for shelter was created on a soundstage, the rocky area and creek surrounding it are in the Corner Rock area of the forest. This part of the forest was also used to shoot some of the District 12 hunting scenes.
From Asheville, take US 19-23/I-26 W for about 11 miles. Take Exit 15 to Jupiter/Barnardsville and turn right, following NC 197 about 6 miles to the town of Barnardsville. Turn right onto Dillingham Road, then follow it for 6 miles-be sure to bear left to stay on Dillingham where Haw Branch Road forks off straight ahead. When the road turns to gravel you have reached the forest boundary.
Points of Interest:
Corner Rock – From the metal gate at the entrance to the forest, go exactly 1.6 miles along the gravel road. Look for a place to pull off on the left side of the road and for a blocked-off road leading into the woods. Park here, and begin walking up this blocked road-there should be a small stream on your right. After about one-quarter of a mile, look for a large rock on your right next to the stream. Walk around to the far side of the rock to see the spot used in the film.
Douglas Falls – Follow the gravel road 8 miles through the Coleman Boundary until it ends. There is a trailhead and a half-mile trail that leads to a tall skinny waterfall. The hike is easy and short.
Navitat Canopy Tours – Located off of Poverty Branch Road, you can soar across the mountaintops on a canopy zip line adventure enjoyed by the stars of the film.
Vance Birthplace – Along the Reems Creek Valley you will find the birthplace of Civil War Governor Zebulon Vance. Preserved cabins offer a glimpse of what life was like during the 19th century.
Weaverville – Small shops and restaurants line Main St. of this small town. Popular restaurants include Blue Mountain Pizza and Well-Bred Bakery.
Henry River Mill Village
This abandoned mill town about an hour east of Asheville stood in for the Seam areas of District 12. The signs on the sides of the Mellarks' bakery are clearly visible.
From Asheville, take I-40 E to Exit 119 to drive through the village, but please use caution.
This area is private property, and although there may be photo opportunities from the road, many of the buildings are in disrepair and should be regarded as dangerous.
Points of Interest:
Hildebran Heritage Museum – Stop here for answers to any questions you have about the area.
Chimney Rock Park – Begin your Tribute training with some short hikes or rock climbs at this historic state park, which was also a filming site for The Last of the Mohicans in 1992.
Lake Lure – Complete your star-studded trip with a stop at this location for the famous lake scenes in the 1980s hit Dirty Dancing. You can event take a guided boat tour for a relaxing afternoon.
