Hiking Catawba Falls - Approx. 2hrs from Charlotte, NC

Get ready for a perfectly paced 3.5-mile adventure that serves up a little bit of everything—forest climbs, epic waterfall views, and a relaxing riverside finish. We’ll tackle the uphill first (while the legs are fresh!), then reward ourselves with nonstop scenery on the way down.

The Route (Clockwise loop)

• The Ridge Ascent: We kick things off with a 2.1-mile climb up the Ridge Trail. It’s an ascent through peaceful forest, gaining about 700 feet. Think switchbacks and tall trees.

• The Upper Falls: At the top, the payoff begins. The trail opens to the Upper Falls, where you’ll get front-row views of cascading water from thoughtfully designed observation decks—perfect for a breather and photos.

• The Stair Descent: Next, we head down a series of stairs that trace the waterfall’s path through the gorge. This section is all about the views—water rushing beside you almost the entire way down.

• Lunch at the Lower Falls: Around 2.4 miles in, we land at the base of the impressive 100-foot Lower Falls. This is our lunch spot—big rocks and a full-on waterfall backdrop. Hard to beat.

• The River Walk: To wrap it up, we cruise the final 1.1 miles along a wide, flat riverside trail back to the trailhead. It’s an easy, scenic stroll—perfect for winding down and soaking it all in.

This trail is rated Moderate on Alltrails. It should be suitable for anyone in reasonable shape that won't have a problem going down the section of stairs.

To get there, type "Catawba Falls Trailhead" in Google Maps or "Catawba Falls Trail" in Apple Maps. We'll meet in front of the restrooms near the trailhead. Look for the Carolina Wilderness Adventures flag. Find Dan and he'll check you in.

What to wear

• Footwear: Closed toe shoes with good traction. Hiking shoes, trail runners, or hiking boots are best, but athletic shoes can work.
• Clothing: Synthetic (non-cotton) clothing is best. Smartwool socks are great for hiking. You may want to bring a hat.
• For a great guide on what to wear for different conditions, check this out at REI: How to Dress in Layers: Tips for Staying Warm | REI Expert Advice

What to bring

• Water
• Lunch
• Rain jacket, if necessary.
• Small backpack to carry food, water, and layers
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Phone (for pictures)
• Fleece (If it happens to be cool)