Catawba Falls is a beautiful cascade south of the Blue Ridge Parkway on the west side of Old Fort, North Carolina. Some sources cite this waterfall as 100 feet, while others reference a longer drop totaling 205 feet. This majestic waterfall is accompanied by Lower Catawba Falls and Upper Catawba Falls, which are roughly 50 feet and 80 feet, respectively. To see all three, take the Catawba Falls River Trail for 0.9, 1.2, and 1.4 milesA roughly 3-mile loop hike will take you to see it all. To the upper falls and back, the total hike is about 2.8 miles, but a 3.6-mile loop trail is also available.
In 2022, Catawba Falls closed for two years for renovations, reopening on May 31, 2024. The updates included a boardwalk and stairs that allow visitors to reach the upper falls more easily. While the boardwalk somewhat obstructs the lower view of the main falls, it also provides new aerial views that were previously not available. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene also contributes to this area looking quite different compared to before. Restrooms are now available as well.
Google Location: Catawba Falls, 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
GPS Location: 35.6045° N, 82.2449° W (Main) | 35.6020° N, 82.2475° W (Upper) | 35.6045° N, 82.2449° W (Lower)
Parking: Lot
Total Hike: 3.6-mile loop
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Admission: Free
Open: 7am - 8pm
Swimming: Yes
Pets: Yes, with leash
GPS Location: 35.6045° N, 82.2449° W (Main) | 35.6020° N, 82.2475° W (Upper) | 35.6045° N, 82.2449° W (Lower)
Parking: Lot
Total Hike: 3.6-mile loop
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Admission: Free
Open: 7am - 8pm
Swimming: Yes
Pets: Yes, with leash
