Hiking in the mountains of North Carolina doesn’t always mean embarking on a strenuous journey you may not be prepared to tackle. The hike to Catawba Falls near Old Fort is one most everyone can handle. And even better: it leads to a 100-foot waterfall series deep in the Pisgah National Forest. Lace up your boots and get ready for an adventure!
You'll find the trailhead for Catawba Falls at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762.
Welcome to the Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests in the eastern United States. The forest is fully contained within the borders of the Tar Heel State and was established in 1916.
The trail to Catawba Falls clocks in at 2.1 miles and is rated as easy by All Trails.
Enjoy a slow and easy pace on the little more than a mile it takes to get to the falls. You'll pass by a couple of historic old structures as you walk along the creek.
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You might even find yourself skipping rocks in a few water crossings. Be certain you have sure footing if you're walking on rocks by the water.
And when you reach the falls (both the upper falls and the lower falls) avoid venturing too close as there have been many fatalities here when people lose their footing on slippery rocks.
In warmer months, the falls can get crowded. So if you're hiking here in the summer or fall, you'll want to schedule your hike for a weekday, if possible. And bring or wear swimwear!
The lower falls are equally beautiful and drop in series of cascades and drops.
Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is one of our favorite activities! You’ll find the trailhead to Catawba Falls at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. There is a large parking area adjacent to the trailhead. Still, plan to arrive early in the morning during the height of the tourist season to assure you get a parking spot. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails!