Easy access and proximity to Asheville make this one of the best after-work getaways in the area. A few very short trails off of main trail down to water. Waxhaw (Mecklenburg County, North Carolina area) pioneers would have been attracte… COUNTY. The trail to the falls was originally a pathway used by the Cherokee. The hike to Catawba Falls is a pleasant three miles round trip (Yellow Blaze) through a shady, moss-covered forest. Active. Just east of Asheville and tucked in the midst of Pisgah National Forest is Catawba River. The trail starts at the end of Catawba River Road (which is shown), and leads to the steep section of the river just past where Chestnut Branch splits off, above the … There is an upper falls, but do not pursue until the USFS officially improves and extends the trail. water resistant shoes could be beneficial. Here is our interactive GPS map of the area with downloadable data. It's also one of the closest waterfalls to my home, so I find myself here quite a bit. Catawba Falls Preserve offers mountain homes, log cabins, and mountain lots. This 1.5-mile trail is wide and well worn, climbing moderately to the base of a 100-foot cascade. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! It flows through a mossy riverbed, crosses a rolling forest, and cascades in a series of waterfalls. SAFETY WARNING: There have been deaths and many injuries caused by hikers falling from the falls. Buy Pro for the ones you love Buy Pro A small side trail descends to the river at .75 mile, sighting several small waterfalls on the Catawba at the confluence with a small tributary stream. Catawba Falls Events can be the backdrop for any type of company outing. For many years Catawba falls was hidden away on private property, not accessible by the public. Catawba Falls Preserve is a gated mountain community between Black Mountain and Old Fort, North Carolina. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. The 1.5-mile hike (3 miles round-trip) is a steady and slightly uphill walk but it … 3. Shortly up the trail, you'll see two rope assists to help you on your way. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please do not climb on slick rocks and in close vicinity of the falls (upper and lower) - a photo opportunity is not worth a life. The falls are reached by a steady uphill walk following the Catawba River. Please always practice good trail etiquette. Catawba Falls Preserve adjoins the Pisgah National Forest and there are abundant walking and biking trails that lead across country or to one of several waterfalls. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This also makes it a highly congested area, especially in the summer. Crushed limestone trail is wide with gentle grades. (Please don’t climb on the dam ruins or near the rocks surrounding waterfalls, as they’re often very slippery!). Catawba Falls is known for having a good number of log homes. It is highly recommended to try to visit this waterfall after recent rain. Trail Type: Gravel and dirt Hike Distance: 2 miles round trip Difficulty: 6 Beauty: 9. Follow this trail along the scenic headwaters of the Catawba River for a 4 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. The 100-ft. tall Catawba Falls is located near Old Fort (26 miles east of Asheville, just three miles off I-40). Nice easy walk. Historic buildings are scattered along the trail, remnants of the 1920's hydropower dam that provided power for the town of Old Fort. Possible camping at Catawba Falls Campground. Call (828) 668-4831 for more information. From I-40 Exit 73 follow Catawba River Road to the US Forest Service parking area. … Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? The Catawba Trail emerged from the Saluda Gap where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia now meet. The Catawba Falls Trail - Out and Back The trail starts literally footsteps from the parking area, and for half of the hike to the second waterfall (first waterfall depending on your opinion), it's a very easy hike. There is one tricky stream crossing (0.9 mi) on stepping stones which can be more difficult have heavy rains. Learn More . Directions to Trail Head | Open in Google maps Catawba Falls is relatively close to downtown Asheville (just 25 miles away) and offers stunning beauty thanks to a … Address & GPS . Beyond the bridge, the trail climbs moderately past some level areas beside the river. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. Great hike, beautiful falls. Before, this trail was difficult to follow and included three creek crossings, including one fairly deep one through the actual Catawba River. It is a very locally popular trail in Pisgah National Forest. Give the gift of adventure. Catawba Falls Preserve is a private, gated mountain community with paved roads that backs up to the Pisgah National Forest with miles of hiking trai ... MLS# 3658239 - Active Listed by … I had just seen it on here and it was close so I decided it would be a good and quick hike to tire the dogs out before our drive back home. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. View real estate for sale and set up a viewing today. The trail is primarily used for hiking, is accessible year-round, and is both a family and dog friendly trail. I can’t wait to come back in the summer...looked like there was various swimming areas to enjoy! Use only established trails on riverbank or mountain. Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is one of our favorite activities! Catawba Falls Preserve is the perfect destination for adventure or relaxation. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. The grade increases the last two-thirds of the trail, but is still easy to moderate and the width of the trail stays the same. Here are the maps covering the Catawba Falls area of the Pisgah National Forest's Grandfather Ranger District. This fantastic day hike explores waterfall after waterfall in a sun-dappled valley, hiking just over two miles through a shady forest to the seeping wall of vibrant green moss and tendrils of water known as Catawba Falls. And me and family just loved it.. Great water falls and super easy to hike. Loved it - a lot of room for exploring. Trail stays in sight of the river the whole time. Catawba Falls, one of Western North Carolina’s exceptional Blue Ridge waterfalls over 100 ft high, is now fully accessible to the public and a highly recommended destination. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. The trail follows the Catawba River, which is really just a creek here so close to the headwaters. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. 1 / 9. Once you get to the lower falls, check to see if the trail to the upper falls is open. Maybe it's better M-Th than when I went on a Friday? Big Piney Ridge Loop Trail to Forked Ridge Knob and Graybeard Mountain, Lookout Mountain and Brushy Mountain Loop, Graybeard, Harry Bryan, and Sanctuary Trail Loop, Montreat Rainbow Trail, Toll Road, Lookout Mountain, Green Knob Overlook via Snooks Nose Trail, Pinnacle via Graybeard Mountain Trail and Old Mitchell Toll Road. There is a large parking area adjacent to the trailhead. The trail ends at the base of Catawba Falls, a tall, multi-drop waterfall plunging more than 150 feet. During drought conditions the water is barely visible on the lower drop as it is funneled through seams in the cliff. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement. Until trail conditions improve, though, the trail to the upper falls is officially closed. Catawba Falls is very popular with families, Larson said, due to its easy accessibility off I-40 Exit 73 in Old Fort, and the relatively easy, 3-mile roundtrip trail on a gently rising grade. It was nice but 4 stars cause I fell in. The majority of the Catawba Falls hike is a steady uphill and elevation will increase 465 feet from beginning to end. This is a easy out and back trail in North Carolina. Highly recommend. Someone told me the trail to the upper falls was closed, but later I was told by friends that they were mistaken and it is open. There are several offshoots that lead to the creek banks. Hello everyone, I visited Catawba Falls on 25th, October. Throughly enjoyed this trail moderately volume of people for the view but enough passage room and great spots to stop along the way to grasp nature. Bring your builder and capitalize on the gorgeous views offered by Catawba Falls and the entire area of WNC NC! Muddy in parts, but the falls are nice. The hike crosses a metal span bridge over the Catawba River, newly installed in summer 2016, at the base of the moss-encrusted remains of a stacked-stone powerhouse on the banks of the rocky-bedded river. 2.06. Not sure when I'll be back to try it out bc the crowds really put me off. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! There is a water crossing where, what I think is where the Chestnut Branch flows across the trail into the Catawba River. Come enjoy a break from your typical work environment on our generously spaced grounds, to connect with your fellow colleagues while allowing yourself to disconnect from the distractions of daily life. Currently, it is a very dangerous climb which has resulted in injury and death. Oh, well. Catawba Falls is part of the Pisgah National Forest. The trail begins at the kiosk and follows the left side of the river up to the new foot bridge. Catawba Falls Trail is a 3.4 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Old Fort, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Hike the Catawba Falls Trail east of Asheville, trekking through a mossy, shady forest valley to a beautiful series of waterfalls on the Catawba River. Citizen-Times article. A system of gaps and trails were the primary transporation routes of early Tennessee settlers. near Dendron, North Carolina (United States) Great water falls and super easy to hike. Beautiful waterfall easy trail great day pretty streams. Still, plan to arrive early in the morning during the height of the tourist season to assure you get a parking spot. Just east of Asheville, the river tumbles through a rolling forest, cascading in a series of waterfalls and flowing over a mossy riverbed set in a shady, scenic stretch of the Pisgah National Forest. Note that the trail to upper Catawba Falls, as of this recording in early 2016, is unsafe and closed while the forest service reroutes the trail beyond Catawba Falls. https://www.mapquest.com/us/north-carolina/catawba-falls-378546466 Events; Trails. Submitted by Joe Linehan Located 15 minutes … The footbridge at the start of the trail makes it easier for visitors to come, even after heavy rainfall. Located along Highway 40 nearing Asheville, a moderate 2.5 mile uphill hike will bring you to the 100 foot Catawba Falls, that is made up of several smaller cascades.The trail passes stone foundations along the Catawba river from an early 1900s dam used for power generation. Linehan the Falls themselves is difficult but did n't know anything about it 2012. The trailhead to Catawba Falls Campground log cabins, and other landmarks follow Catawba River very to! Forest of pine and leafy fern the last 200 feet of the River... 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