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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,798 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
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.
"Catawba Falls is reputed to be one of the best water falls in Western North Carolina. Having just visited them, I would agree they're outstanding, and definitely should be seen. It is a very popular place, and though the parking lot is large and often nearly full, it doesn't seem crowded. The two falls are completely different in their appearance. Linked by a series of 500+ steps or stairs with an observation platform midway, a visit to both is worth the effort. From the parking lot to the Lower Falls is an easy mile hike that gradually gains elevation the closer you get to the falls. Many people will choose to turn back after seeing them and not climb the stairs. If you climb another 0.3 mi to the Upper Falls, you may return the way you came or continue up Ridge Trail (2mi) and complete a loop back to the parking lot. Initially the Ridge Trail ascend along a broad level path, giving glorious views of the Piscah Natl Forest. Then it begins a long, more shaded, downhill path until you arrive back at your car. The loop this way is highly recommend as most of it is downhill. Nice moderate hike; well maintained trails with some repairs being done. Trailhead is easy to find; near Old Fort & I 40 exit. Vault toilets and trail map at the starting kiosk."
Gordon Shaffer
"I went on a Sunday around 2 PM and it was fairly busy. I was lucky to get a parking spot, but it seemed like it had been previously busier because people were leaving. I chose the shorter, River Trail, to and back from the falls. I would consider it an easy to moderate trail. There are plenty of places to stop and sit along the way, either on a bench or a rock. If you make it to the lower falls, definitely push yourself to go to the upper falls. The upper falls are just a short distance away from the lower falls and it is incredibly gorgeous."
Kory
"We love this hike, especially in late fall as it’s a bit lower elevation so the colors hang around a little longer. Our two littles do great as it’s flat with slight gradients and stairs for the big ascents. There are two pit toilets which can get a bit of a line and parking can be difficult sometimes but there’s usually good flow with people leaving. The stairs are a beast if you want to do the full loop, but it’s easy to get to the base which still offers great views! And afterwards we love stopping by Foothills Watershed or Hillman for some snacks and bevs."
John “7” Crouse
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit