Catawba Falls

Old Fort, North Carolina

4.8/5

based on 14 reviews

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Distance

2.19 miles

Elevation Gain

394 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Justin Costner

Temporarily Closed. Take a ~3-mile hike to Catawba Falls, a 100 foot waterfall. Possible camping is available at Catawba Falls Campground.

Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov.

This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or on a weekday if you can swing it.

As you head out on the trail, the elevation gain is very gradual, but does increase as you get further in. Once you get to the lower falls, check to see if the trail to the upper falls is open. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement.

If you want to make this adventure a little longer, there are private campsites available at Catawba Falls Campground.

If you went for a quick day hike, swing by Pisgah Brewing Co for a cold one. On occasion, they also have food trucks parked outside.

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Catawba Falls Reviews

Ragu Arul

Catawba Falls

04/04/16

This is the first time we took this hike and to put it in one word, it's Aweesomee!! We went to Asheville for a day trip and wanted to go for a short hike. Glad we went here. It started with a regular flat hike with gradual altitude gain with a river and fun short falls on the sides. Don't miss to claim to the top once you reach the big waterfall. It's little strenuous but it's worth it.

5.0

Kate Heid

Catawba Falls

03/28/16

We did this with two dogs and two babies. There is a stream crossing, but it's do-able for the whole family. The waterfalls are spectacular and there is plenty of creek splashing opportunities. Enjoy!

5.0

Missy Neff Gould

Catawba Falls

03/25/16

Beautiful falls. Great short hike. Not overly strenuous but still a good little workout.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Catawba Falls

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Catawba Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat

Green Knob Lookout Tower

Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

Eagle Rock

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

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