Catawba Falls Trail
| Catawba Falls Trail (log in to submit report) | |
|---|---|
| Located | |
| Trail Marking | Yellow |
| Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail |
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| FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail |
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| Difficulty Rating | Easy |
| Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. | 1.5 hrs0.0938 Days <br />90 Min <br /> round trip |
| Distance: | 1.4 mi2.253 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 3.0 mi4.828 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car |
| Trail Type | In-and-Out |
| Low / High Point | 1,419 ft473 Yards <br />432.511 Meters <br /> / 1,914 ft638 Yards <br />583.387 Meters <br /> |
| Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. | 495 ft150.876 Meters <br /> / ({{{Elevation Loss}}}"{{{Elevation Loss}}}" is not a number.) – {{{Elevation Change Direction}}} |
| Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days | No hikes logged yet |
| NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list | No other Trails within 5 mi |
| Parking | 35° 36' 47.99" N, 82° 13' 51.10" W Map |
| Trailhead | 35° 36' 47.99" N, 82° 13' 51.10" W Map |
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| Show In Google Maps | |
Trail Closure |
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| Currently officially closed (2022). Expected reopening in Spring of 2024. Visit the Forest Service website for latest details. |
Trail Overview[edit]
Short in-out hike along an improved trail to 100-foot tall Catawba Falls
How to get there[edit]
From Johnson City, TN
- Head south on I-26 towards Asheville.
- Merge onto I-240 East/US-70 East.
- Continue onto I-40 East toward Statesville.
- Take Exit 73 (Old Fort).
- From the exit ramp, make a sharp right turn onto Catawba River Road.
- Follow the road to its end after three miles.
- Park at new USFS lot.
Address for map systems: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
Route Description[edit]
The falls are reached by a steady uphill walk following the Catawba River. The hike time is roughly half hour each way with another half hour to enjoy the waterfall. There is one tricky stream crossing (0.9 mi) on stepping stones which can be more difficult have heavy rains.
| Miles | Catawba Falls Hike | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | Parking Area | 1,594 feet |
| 0.25 | Footbridge over Catawba River (built Summer 2016) | |
| 0.90 | Rock hop over Clover Patch Branch | |
| 1.20 | Former dam - and its waterfall | |
| 1.30 | Road grade ends, footbridge over Chestnut Branch (built November 2016) | |
| 1.40 | Catawba Falls | 1,914 feet |
| 2.8 | Back at Parking Area | 1,594 feet |
There is an upper falls, but do not pursue until the USFS officially improves and extends the trail. Currently, it is a very dangerous climb which has resulted in injury and death. The latest was February 2018. Citizen-Times article. Prior one occurred on June 25, 2017.
Typical Conditions[edit]
Well trodden dirt path with a pair of new (2016) bridges. Can be muddy after hard rain.
Very popular trail. An early spring hike saw roughly a 1:1 ratio of dogs and elementary-aged children per adult.
Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]
No permit or fee. Parking for roughly 30 vehicles, but can fill on really nice days. Bathrooms and bear-proof trash container at parking area.
After the Hike[edit]
Visit Kilwin's Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream (116 W State St, Black Mountain, NC) for refreshment afterwards.
Misc. Information[edit]
Located in Pisgah National Forest, Grandfather Ranger District. Contact number is (828)652-2144.
Until some better pictures are submitted, an excellent write-up is found at hikewnc.info
Photos[edit]
Catawba Falls
March 2019
Cascade on Catawba River
Footbridge over Chestnut Branch
Former electrical station
Footbridge over Catawba River
