This Under Construction North Carolina Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback
By Carolyn Harmon|Published March 27, 2024
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
A trail reopening in North Carolina will soon resume attracting tourists from near and far for the long-awaited improvements. The Catawba Falls Trail near Old Fort — in the enchanted Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest — has been closed for major renovations since May 2022. Upgrades will create safe access to the magical Upper Catawba Falls and were extended through spring 2024, hopefully to open by the end of May.
The Catawba Falls upgrades are part of the larger Old Fort Trails Project to bring many trail improvements to this area of Pisgah National Forest.
The project was comprised of three phases: Phase I focused on improving access through the boulder field below the lower falls and starting construction of the staircase to the upper falls.
The scope of work includes the completion of more than 1,000 feet of elevated boardwalk and stairs, including three overlook platforms.
Since the site became part of the Pisgah National Forest, some improvements include trail bridges, restrooms, and parking.
Major renovations to the Catawba Falls Trail are part of a long-term plan that began in 2006 when the U.S. Forest Service acquired the site from the Foothills Land Conservancy.
So please wait until then to go on the trail as violations of the closure can result in fines of up to $5,000.
The trail reopening in North Carolina is great news for hikers and fans of the lovely waterfalls. Discover more on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service website.
