Catawba Falls is a series of waterfalls along the headwaters of the Catawba River. The river flows over two major drops: Upper Catawba Falls, a free-fall drop, and the larger Catawba Falls cascading downstream. Though part of Pisgah National Forest, public access to the falls was restricted for years until the Foothills Conservancy purchased land in 2005 and 2007, with the creation of a trailhead. In 2010, the land was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service, officially opening the falls to visitors.

CKone6

June 8, 2025

Hiking

nice

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best Hikes to Catawba Falls

5.0

(2)

114

hikers

1. Catawba Falls Trail — Pisgah National Forest

3.95km

01:09

100m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.8

(8)

116

hikers

2. Catawba Falls loop from Old Fort

5.71km

01:53

270m

260m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.8

(8)

117

hikers

3. Catawba Falls Trail – Catawba Falls loop from Old Fort

8.86km

02:43

300m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 620 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 27 January

2°C

-14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Mcdowell County, North Carolina, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Lookout Mountain Summit

Rattlesnake Rock Lookout

Lake Tomahawk

Point Lookout Trail

Point Lookout

Craggy Pinnacle

Point Lookout

Eastern Continental Divide

Dicky's View

Lower Pinny Trail – Charles A. Smith, Jr. Memorial

Eagle Rock

View of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Catawba Falls

1. Catawba Falls Trail — Pisgah National Forest

2. Catawba Falls loop from Old Fort

3. Catawba Falls Trail – Catawba Falls loop from Old Fort

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️