Scenic Hike: Catawba Falls

Length: 3.5 miles
Duration of Hike: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 465 to the falls
Facilities & Parking: Parking lot and restrooms
Features: Waterfalls, Kid Friendly, Pet Friendly, Open Trail

Catawba Fallsis a series of waterfalls on the headwaters of the Catawba River, in McDowell County, near Old Fort, North Carolina. It is relatively close to downtown Asheville (just 25 miles away) and offers stunning beauty thanks to a series of cascades that, together, are 100 feet tall.

The U.S. Forest Service recently has made the easy-to-moderate trail even more enjoyable by adding two new footbridges so that you no longer have to rock hop across the river to enjoy the falls.

As of May 31, 2024, there is a new way to view the Upper Falls. The new Catawba Falls Ridge Trail includes 580 hand-built stairs, a 60-foot observation tower, and a custom-designed railing inspired by the district’s mountain skyline.