Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest

Catawba Falls in the Pisgah National Forest (only 13 miles from our VRBO rental in Chesire Village) was a must-visit destination for us; it is located within Pisgah National Forest, specifically in the Grandfather Ranger District, near Old Fort, North Carolina. This popular waterfall area is situated at the headwaters of the Catawba River and offers scenic hiking trails with views of cascading falls.

Our trip research showed us that we could expect the following from a visit there;

• Breathtaking Waterfalls: The park’s highlight is the magnificent Catawba Falls, which cascades over 100 feet. There are both lower and upper falls, with the upper falls providing a more secluded and rewarding view after a moderate hike. The sight and sound of the waterfalls are serene and refreshing.
• Hiking Trails: The park features well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The 2.7-mile round-trip trail to the falls follows the Catawba River, offering a peaceful walk through lush forests with stunning views along the way. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it perfect for families.
• Rich Natural Beauty: The park is surrounded by dense woodlands, native plants, and wildlife, offering a tranquil environment to enjoy North Carolina’s natural beauty. The river and nearby streams add to the scenic landscape.
• Historic Ruins: Along the trail, visitors can see the remnants of an old dam and powerhouse, providing a glimpse into the area’s industrial history.

Click the above video poster image to discover the breathtaking beauty of Catawba River Falls, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of North Carolina. Enjoy stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and refreshing swimming opportunities. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape.

Catawbah Falls is home to a stunning series of waterfalls, including the centerpiece, Catawba Falls, which cascades 100 feet into a lush gorge. Visitors can hike to the base of the falls, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

We picked this as our next stop, because it is obviously pretty and it is on the way to Asheville, NC - our next "stay over" location.

Click here to go to the Catawba Falls Campground website where there is a good list of their accommodations & facilities and how to make a reservation.

• Wear or bring Sturdy shoes - The trails vary from flat & easy to rocky, undulating and sometimes steep.
• Water - There is no fresh water at the Falls, and as there are 11 dams up river, as well as industrial pollution, the water is not considered to be safe to consume.
• Swimsuit and towel (if you plan to go wading, it is not really deep enough to swim)
• Picnic lunch or snacks - There are no facilities at the Falls.
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• The park is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• The park is closed from May 2, 2022 through spring 2023 for trail improvements.
• There is a $5 parking fee.
• Pets are allowed on leash.

• Activities:

    Is the trail to Catawba Falls open? Yes, it reopened in 2024 after a two-year construction closure.

    How difficult is the hike? The trail to the lower falls is considered easy, but reaching the upper falls is an intermediate hike due to 580 new stairs.

    How long is the hike? The loop trail to both the upper and lower falls is 3.5 miles.

    How were the recent renovations? Improvements include the addition of stairs, three overlooks, and a 60-foot observation tower to improve safety.

• Are pets allowed? Yes, pets are permitted in most areas but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. They are prohibited in park buildings and swim areas.

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Catawba Falls Hiking Trails on the "Asheville Trails" website
• Catawba Falls on the "North Carolina State Parks" site
• Amazon Search Results list for "Catawba Falls"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Catawba Falls"
• Google Search Results list for "places to eat near Catawba Falls"
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Our Image Gallery for Catawba Falls
• Wikipedia Article for Catawba Falls
• Google Image Gallery for Catawba Falls
• Google Reviews for the Catawba Falls