Thousands still flock to NC "Hunger Games" forest

The Associated Press, Friday, November 30, 2012, 4:57am (PST)

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Thousands of people are still coming to visit the western North Carolina forest where the movie "The Hunger Games" was filmed.

The Times-News of Hendersonville reported (http://bit.ly/SjO33X ) the number of visitors this year to DuPont State Recreational Forest reached 327,000 by the end of October. Attendance last year was about 250,000.

Forest officials say there are no signs the surge of visitors will end anytime soon.

Supervisor David Brown says attendance in November has been steady, except on the coldest days.

The film premiered in March. Crowds have traveled to see where Jennifer Lawrence, who played the lead character Katniss, crossed Triple Falls and plunged into a pool below Bridal Veil Falls.

Hunger Games Fan Tours of Brevard sold out its main-season events and has started booking for next year.