Catawba Falls: A Cascading Wonderland in Old Fort

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Asheville

Catawba Falls: A Cascading Wonderland in Old Fort

For those who believe a hike isn’t complete without the reward of a spectacular waterfall, the Catawba Falls Trail is an adventure you can’t miss. Nestled just 30 minutes from Asheville in Old Fort, this 2.7-mile round-trip trail meanders through a lush, mossy forest, leading to a stunning multi-tiered cascade that feels straight out of a dream.

The trail begins at a well-marked parking area and follows the course of the Catawba River. From the first step, the sound of rushing water is your constant companion, heightening the sense of anticipation. The path is wide and relatively flat for the first portion, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Wooden bridges and stepping stones lead you across the river at several points, adding a touch of adventure to the journey.

The final stretch of the trail ascends slightly as you approach the falls. When you arrive, the view is nothing short of magical: Catawba Falls plunges more than 100 feet in a series of graceful drops, framed by verdant greenery and moss-covered rocks. The main viewing area offers plenty of space to sit, relax, and absorb the beauty of this natural wonder.

For the truly adventurous, there’s an unmarked, steep path leading to Upper Catawba Falls. However, this section is challenging and not officially maintained, so proceed with caution.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, photographic inspiration, or just a gorgeous hike close to Asheville, Catawba Falls delivers on all fronts.

Adventure Guide: Catawba Falls Trail

Trail Overview

Length: 2.7 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Old Fort, NC, near the Pisgah National Forest boundary
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for the best water flow and lush greenery

What to Expect

Trail Features: The trail follows the Catawba River, crossing small wooden bridges and rock-hopping across shallow creeks. The final section ascends gently to the base of the falls.
Highlights:
- A 100-foot cascading waterfall, perfect for photography or a quiet picnic.
- Dense, green forest alive with bird calls and the soothing sound of rushing water.
- Scenic creek crossings and opportunities to explore the river’s edge.

Tips for Hikers

Parking: The trailhead has a large, designated parking area, but it can fill up quickly on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.
What to Bring:
- Sturdy shoes with good traction—some sections near the falls can be slippery.
- Water and snacks to enjoy while relaxing at the falls.
- A camera or smartphone for capturing the beauty of the cascade.
Safety Note: Avoid climbing the rocks near the falls; they are slick and can be dangerous. Stick to the designated paths for your safety.

Getting There

From Asheville, take I-40 East to Exit 73 for Old Fort. Turn right onto Catawba River Road and follow it for about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area. Travel time from Asheville is approximately 30 minutes.

Fun Fact

Catawba Falls was once part of a private hydroelectric dam system in the early 20th century, and remnants of the dam can still be seen along the trail today.

Adventure Map

Reviews

James Wise4 months ago

A really fun experience! Took the River Trail (turning right from posted trail map) to the upper falls. Trail is wide, well kept, and clearly marked. The stairs take between 10-20 minutes to climb depending on your speed, amount of times you stop for the views, etc. one section of the stairs is metal and may be difficult for some pups. Once at the top of the stairs and off the boardwalk, you are very close to the Upper Falls - keep going!

Bonnie Blue4 months ago

Absolutely gorgeous! Reopened but the construction is not 100% complete. You can still hike the entire trail but there is caution tape up and construction vehicles around. We arrived in the dark and hiked the ridge trail watching the sunrise through the trees at the top of the trail. Since we started early we had the upper falls all to ourselves! Cool, clear and shallow pool at the bottom that you can play in. The observation tower is amazing and scary as hell! We’re pretty seasoned hikers and our legs were a little shaky. Definitely recommend going Ridge to River to avoid having to go up the 580 stairs! Lower falls were also beautiful and there were plenty of fun rocks to scramble over and a pool at the base that’s perfect for little ones to splash.

Tattoos by Roger (On FB and Instagram)5 months ago

The hike wasn't bad. Very clean and open trails. I went to the left and went up hills a good bit. But it did offer forgiving elevations. I seem to meet everyone coming from the other direction. It leveled out after a while. And then started ascending. I made it to the top part of what seemed like 500 stairs. It was all down stride for me. I felt better about my choice of starting the opposite way. Took some photos of what I could. Good little hike for people not in the greatest shape.

Heidi Kempert4 months ago

Beautiful hike but be careful which way you head and be ready for hills/stairs! If you go to the entrance on the RIGHT side of the sign you will be going on a very mild uphill and get to the first waterfall with minimal incline/stairs. If you want to go to the overlook or the upper falls you get to climb about 500 stairs (at the sign CF12) to get there and about 1.6 mile hike. However, if you go to the entrance to the LEFT of the sign (which we did on accident), you will be walking up switch backs with pretty steep sections for 2 miles before getting to the falls. Good news, you do not have to do the loop! You can go up and turn around to come back if you want. Glad we did the full loop but also good to know what you are getting in to. Make sure to bring plenty of fresh water and shoes that can get wet. This is not an easy hike for most. Enjoy!

Laura Nj4 months ago

Catawba Falls is a stunning destination that offers a beautiful waterfall and a rewarding hike. The waterfall itself is absolutely gorgeous, and the recent renovations have only enhanced its appeal. For those planning a visit, there are two main paths to reach the falls. If you're a beginner or not accustomed to hiking, I highly recommend taking the right path. It’s the easier route and provides a more manageable trek. On the other hand, the left path is quite strenuous and best suited for those in good physical condition. Make sure to arrive early, as the parking lot is quite small and fills up quickly. For the hike, bringing around 2 liters of water should be sufficient, given that it’s a relatively short hike. Overall, Catawba Falls offers a fantastic outdoor experience with its breathtaking views and well-maintained trails. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a scenic spot, this destination is definitely worth a visit.

Hiking

Catawba Falls: A Cascading Wonderland in Old Fort