Catawba Falls
Old Fort, North Carolina
Details
Distance
2.19 miles
Elevation Gain
394 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Justin Costner
Temporarily Closed. Take a ~3-mile hike to Catawba Falls, a 100 foot waterfall. Possible camping is available at Catawba Falls Campground.
Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov.
This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or on a weekday if you can swing it.
As you head out on the trail, the elevation gain is very gradual, but does increase as you get further in. Once you get to the lower falls, check to see if the trail to the upper falls is open. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement.
If you want to make this adventure a little longer, there are private campsites available at Catawba Falls Campground.
If you went for a quick day hike, swing by Pisgah Brewing Co for a cold one. On occasion, they also have food trucks parked outside.
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Reviews
Good, short hike for all abilities. Falls are gorgeous and great to take a dip in during the summer. Recommend good shoes for this hike, rocks are slippery even during the dry season.
5.0
We regularly hike this 3.0 round trip hike. The path is pretty wide and moderately traveled. The paths and bridges have been built in the last 3 years so there is no need to wade through water. There is a gravity bathroom on site. Caution to everyone who may be new to this trail, 2 deaths within 6 months recently occurred due to the persons slipping on the rocks in the upper falls. And that is just in the last year. Enjoy the views from below......
4.0
The hike is a well maintained trail. We went during mid-July and it felt like we were in a rainforest. Hot, steamy, but beautiful.
4.0
This hike was relatively easy and the reward is insane. The most beautiful waterfalls I've seen in a long time!
5.0
One of the prettiest waterfalls in the area and a very easy hike.
5.0
My girlfriend and I took her kids and 2 dogs on this hike and it was extremely enjoyable. The waterfalls and the views were breathtaking.
5.0
Just went yesterday to Crabtree Falls. It's a great fall pretty close to Asheville. We went early in the morning to avoid the crowd and it was stunning. The 1/2 mile climb to Upper Falls definitely kicks your butt! Always be cautious of your footing and use the surrounding rocks and tree branches for anchorage. They do have ropes to help you up some of the steeper parts. Once you come to the end of the ropes- veer left! Don't try to keep climbing up. Once left, you'll see the yellow and blue caution tape. The pool at Upper Falls is deep enough for swimming and wading in the water. So bring a swimsuit if you go in the summer! Trust me- after the climb you will definitely want to get in. Have a great hike! :)
5.0
The waterfall is worth the bear crawl up the mountain and some of the areas.
5.0
This is the first time we took this hike and to put it in one word, it's Aweesomee!! We went to Asheville for a day trip and wanted to go for a short hike. Glad we went here. It started with a regular flat hike with gradual altitude gain with a river and fun short falls on the sides. Don't miss to claim to the top once you reach the big waterfall. It's little strenuous but it's worth it.
5.0
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