The Catawba Falls Trail at Pisgah National Forest
near Old Fort, North Carolina is a moderate 2.9-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the ~100-foot tall waterfall, Catawba Falls.
Hike
One of the most popular waterfall hikes in North Carolina, this hike is relatively easy, but has some altitude gain in the last half mile where the trail leaves the wide gravel path and becomes a narrower dirt trail. The waterfall is a set of two spectacular cascading falls, and a new stair system (as of 2024) had made the upper falls much easier to navigate. The upper falls cascades in a free-fall with lower falls consisting of multiple tiers to make up the total ~100-foot height. Be prepared for the crowds! This hike has a negative solitude rating!
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the end of Catawba River Road near Old Fort.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Hike
One of the most popular waterfall hikes in North Carolina, this hike is relatively easy, but has some altitude gain in the last half mile where the trail leaves the wide gravel path and becomes a narrower dirt trail. The waterfall is a set of two spectacular cascading falls, and a new stair system (as of 2024) had made the upper falls much easier to navigate. The upper falls cascades in a free-fall with lower falls consisting of multiple tiers to make up the total ~100-foot height. Be prepared for the crowds! This hike has a negative solitude rating!
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the end of Catawba River Road near Old Fort.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
