Catawba Falls
Mossy forest trails lead to stunning cascades, with a challenging new stair trail offering panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Catawba Falls
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mossy forest trails lead to stunning cascades, with a challenging new stair trail offering panoramic views.
"Absolutely strenuous amazing hike!! The waterfalls are absolutely beautiful!"
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 9 AM on Thursdays to beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail, especially the stairs, requires good footwear for safety and comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Catawba Falls
Top of the Ridge Trail
A stunning 100-foot cascade, the main attraction. The new observation tower offers fantastic views.
Ridge Trail Stairs
Connecting Lower and Upper Falls
Experience over 580 hand-built stairs, a significant climb offering a unique hiking challenge.
Lower Catawba Falls
River Trail
Easily accessible falls with opportunities to get close to the water, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Historic Ruins
Along the River Trail
Discover remnants of old stone buildings from the 1920s, adding a touch of history to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 9 AM on Thursdays to beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail, especially the stairs, requires good footwear for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a strenuous hike, especially the loop. Stay hydrated!
🐕 Pet-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great outing for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 9 AM on Thursdays to beat the rush and enjoy a more peaceful hike.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail, especially the stairs, requires good footwear for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It's a strenuous hike, especially the loop. Stay hydrated!
🐕 Pet-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it a great outing for furry friends.
🔄 Consider the Loop
The 3.5-mile loop offers varied scenery, but be prepared for the stairs.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the stunning waterfalls and mountain vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Catawba Falls, especially the impressive upper cascade and the newly renovated trails. The challenging hike, particularly the Ridge Trail's stairs, is a highlight for many, offering rewarding views. However, the popularity means crowds can be significant, and some areas still show hurricane damage.
"Strenuous hike either way you choose to go on the loop- highly recommend clockwise so you have 500+ stairs on the way down. Path well maintained entire way. Pretty waterfall up at the top but very crowded with people climbing all over and their stuff spread out on every available bench. Trek down the stairs was pretty with mini waterfalls all the way. Highly recommend starting early to avoid crowds, bring lots of water and not stopping except for short rests it will take you about 2.5 hours to complete. We went on a Thursday around 9am."
Alice Dahms
"Hidden gem!! Super easy kid and dog friendly trail, all in all a total of 3.5 mile hike with marked trails. The biggest challenge is going to see the upper falls, you'll need to climb over 580 stairs to the observation deck and follow a trail after the stairs stop to see it. Some damage still leftover from the hurricane, so the deck by the upper falls is blocked off where it washed away. Overall, totally worth adding to your bucket list."
Emily Lay
"Absolutely strenuous amazing hike!!
I traveled an hour and a half on a weekend for this one.
Got there about 10:45am and the parking lot was full.
Parking down and on the side of the road was easy tho.
Trails are clearly marked, and the waterfalls are absolutely beautiful!
I went the ridge side first and regretted it until I reached the top fall first....
I was sweaty, thirsty, and wore slap out about the time I made it, but the water was ice cold and rejuvenated my body, mind, and soul instantly!
The steps were incredible goin down the other side (where the other two falls are located).
Descending 580 steps (30 stories) in a thunderstorm was pretty incredible!
Definitely worth the trip and I'd do it again in an instant!"
Amanda Honeycutt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Catawba Falls is located about 25 miles from downtown Asheville, NC. The drive is generally straightforward, taking around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Many visitors use GPS navigation to reach the trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors often find parking along the side of the road if the main lot is full. Arriving early is recommended.
While specific directions can vary, the trailhead is typically accessed via Catawba River Road near Old Fort, NC. It's best to use a GPS or mapping app for real-time directions.
Public transportation options to Catawba Falls are very limited, if available at all. It is best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride.
The main trails, especially the Ridge Trail with its extensive stairs, are not easily accessible for those with significant mobility issues. The lower falls area might be more manageable, but accessibility is limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Catawba Falls. It is part of the Pisgah National Forest and is free to access.
Catawba Falls is generally open from dawn until dusk, as it is an outdoor natural attraction within a national forest. There are no specific closing times posted for the trails themselves.
There is no entrance fee for Catawba Falls. Access to the trails and waterfalls is free of charge.
No reservation is required to visit Catawba Falls. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and trail access.
No special permits are required for day hiking at Catawba Falls. It is open to the public for recreational use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop. The 3.5-mile loop is considered moderately challenging.
The trail is rated as moderately challenging. The Ridge Trail features over 580 stairs, and the overall loop involves significant elevation changes. 
Yes, you can get into the water at the lower falls if you are comfortable getting wet. The upper falls area is more for viewing.
Pit toilets are available at the trailhead and near the lower falls area.
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and consider snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also advisable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Catawba Falls. You'll need to pack your own snacks or plan to eat in nearby towns like Old Fort or Marion.
Picnicking is allowed, and many visitors bring their own food to enjoy amidst nature. Remember to pack out all trash.
Old Fort offers a few local eateries, typically casual diners or cafes. For more extensive options, you'd need to travel to larger towns like Marion or Asheville.
Yes, it's highly recommended to bring snacks and water, as the hike can be strenuous and there are no food services on the trail.
Restaurants with scenic views are not typically found right at Catawba Falls. The focus is on the natural beauty of the hike itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around both the upper and lower falls offer the most picturesque photo opportunities. The observation tower also provides a great vantage point.
It can be challenging due to crowds and the spray from the falls. Early morning visits can offer better light and fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Forests for safety and environmental reasons. It's best to check current regulations with the US Forest Service.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the falls are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the upper falls, the Ridge Trail with its 580 stairs is a significant challenge. While some adventurous families might tackle it, it's best suited for older children or those who are accustomed to strenuous hikes. Consider the stamina of your children before attempting the full loop. Bringing plenty of snacks and water is crucial, and pit toilets are available at the trailhead and lower falls.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since there are no dining facilities on-site, packing a picnic lunch and snacks is the most economical way to refuel. This also allows you to enjoy your meal amidst the natural beauty. The hike itself is free, making it a fantastic way to experience the North Carolina outdoors without spending a lot of money.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1Ensure your dog is comfortable with moderate hiking and elevation changes, especially if you plan to tackle the Ridge Trail. Always bring water for your dog, and be sure to clean up after them. The River Trail offers easier terrain and access to water for a refreshing break for your pet.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Renovated Catawba Falls Experience
While the new trails are impressive, some visitors note that the upper viewing platform and Wildflower Trail may still have closures due to lingering hurricane damage. It's always wise to check current trail conditions before your visit. The overall experience is now more defined, with distinct trails like the River Trail and the Ridge Trail offering different perspectives of the falls and surrounding nature.
+1Despite the improvements, the hike remains a rewarding challenge. The combination of natural beauty, historical remnants, and modern trail engineering makes Catawba Falls a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers in North Carolina. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water, as the elevation changes can be demanding.
Navigating the Catawba Falls Trails
The Ridge Trail is the newer, more challenging addition, featuring a significant climb with over 580 stairs. This trail leads to the upper falls and an observation tower, providing spectacular views. Many hikers recommend doing the loop, which can be done clockwise or counter-clockwise. Some prefer going up the Ridge Trail first for the stair challenge, while others opt for the River Trail first to ease into the hike.
The total loop is approximately 3.5 miles. While the trails are well-maintained, visitors should be prepared for the strenuous nature of the hike, especially the ascent and descent of the stairs. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, making it a great option for those with canine companions.
+1Best Photography Spots and Tips
To get the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for softer light and fewer crowds. Midday sun can be harsh, creating strong contrasts. If you plan to capture the movement of the water, a tripod and a neutral density filter can be very useful for achieving silky smooth water effects. A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Be mindful of the spray from the falls, which can dampen your equipment. Protecting your camera with a rain cover or a microfiber cloth is a good idea. While drones are generally restricted in national forests, always check the latest regulations if you're considering aerial photography. The historic ruins along the River Trail also offer unique photographic subjects.
+1
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