Visitor Dies in Waterfall Accident in North Carolina

Transylvania County, North Carolina, is said to have more waterfalls than any county in the United States. There's even one, Whitewater Falls, that's higher than Niagara. All this beauty draws hundreds of tourists to our area to hike the trails, explore the different falls, and enjoy surroundings that differ from their own. Therein lies the problem, one that reared its ugly head again this past week when Joseph Leonard, a 54 year old man visiting from Maryland, apparently lost his footing while attempting to climb one of the falls in nearby Dupont State Forest.

Apparently, Leonard was attempting to climb the 120' Triple Falls, featured in the film Last of the Mohicans for its stunning splendor, when he fell and sustained severe head injuries. Due to the remoteness of the area, rescue workers had to hike into the forest to reach him and then carried him out on a stretcher. He was then taken by helicopter to Greenville, S.C.'s Memorial Hospital where it is now being reported that he has died.

Every year this county reports another grim statistic related to injuries and deaths incurred by visitors unfamiliar with the terrain. What may appear to be a benign hike over wet rocks can easily turn into a tragedy. Physicians are quick to report that it isn't always the height from which someone falls, but the way they fall and how they land. Tumbles as short as two feet can result in serious injury when the individual lands on his or her head.

Despite the county's efforts to post signs urging caution, people seem to overestimate their skill levels in their desire to "hit the trails" and just have a good time. Dupont Forest, the area involved in the most recent fatality, opened to the public in 2000. According to Bruce MacDonald, assistant forest supervisor, in just those few years there have been more than forty injuries reported. Every year fatalities occur as well. Just last year, a visiting physician died after a ten foot fall onto a rock-filled creek bed.

Those familiar with this area are quick to warn visitors to exercise caution. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with textured soles, don't hike alone, and, above all, know your limitations. The beauty is here to be a source of inspiration, not devastation.