Nestled just outside the small mountain town of Old Fort, North Carolina, Catawba Falls is the kind of hike that sticks with you. It’s beautiful, it’s accessible, and it’s the perfect blend of ease and effort. In fact, it’s one of the few trails in Western North Carolina where beginners and seasoned hikers alike come away impressed.
For years, Catawba Falls has been a beloved local trail—a scenic walk along the Catawba River that rewards visitors with a multi-tiered waterfall. But thanks to recent upgrades and restorations by the U.S. Forest Service, it’s now more than a short, pretty hike. It’s a full-on adventure with one of the best payoffs in the region: the newly accessible Upper Catawba Falls.
Getting There: A Trailhead Tucked in the Mountains
Just two miles off I-40 in Old Fort, the Catawba Falls trailhead sits at the edge of Pisgah National Forest. It’s a little over two hours from Charlotte, making it one of the closest waterfall hikes to the Queen City and a perfect day trip for anyone craving crisp mountain air and a change of pace.
The initial part of the trail is relatively flat and follows a wide, well-maintained path alongside the Catawba River. The air is cooler here, shaded by rhododendrons and towering hardwoods. You’ll cross a few footbridges, hear the water rushing beside you, and after about 20 minutes of casual walking, you’ll arrive at the base of the falls.
The Lower Falls: A Picture-Perfect Cascade
The lower section of Catawba Falls is what many hikers have known and loved for years. It’s a wide, tiered cascade that tumbles down a mossy rock face, collecting in pools before continuing downstream. It’s the kind of place where people linger—snapping photos, wading in the cool water, or just soaking it all in. It’s also where the trail used to end for most folks.
The Upgrade: Hundreds of Steps, One Epic View
But not anymore. In 2023, a major restoration project was completed to provide safe, official access to the stunning Upper Catawba Falls. And that’s where things get interesting.
Here’s where the trail earns its reputation as both easy and difficult. The easy part gets you to the base. The difficult part? A newly built, multi-story steel and wood staircase that rises hundreds of feet into the forest canopy. The structure is massive—over 500 steps, winding switchbacks, and sturdy platforms that carry you up and over the previously impassable terrain.
Is it a workout? Yes. But it’s also incredibly well built, with multiple stopping points where you can catch your breath and take in new perspectives of the surrounding forest. It’s worth pacing yourself and enjoying the climb—because what awaits at the top is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Upper Falls: Worth Every Step
At the top of the staircase, the trail opens up to one of the most majestic waterfalls in the region. The Upper Catawba Falls hike is taller, wilder, and more dramatic than the lower tier. It tumbles down through a series of rocky ledges, creating a spray that glistens in the sunlight and fills the air with a fine mist.
There are rocks to sit on, space to relax, and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the view. This is the moment to stay a while. Bring a snack, take photos, or just listen to the sound of the water echoing through the trees. It’s one of those places that reminds you why you hike in the first place.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. The parking lot fills quickly.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The staircase is safe but steep, and the rocks near both falls can be slippery.
- Bring water and a snack. You’ll want to linger, and you’ll definitely earn it.
- Pack out what you pack in. This is a beloved spot, and it deserves to stay beautiful.
Extend the Adventure
After the hike, make time to explore Old Fort. Grab lunch at Black Beary’s or 27 Main, wander through local shops and galleries, or grab a beer at Hillman Beer or Whaley Farm Brewery. If you want to make a weekend of it, check out the Little Mountain A-frame, Indigo Retreat, or Tabletop Inn in nearby Marion.
Catawba Falls is more than a pretty hike—it’s a testament to thoughtful restoration and the kind of place that invites you to slow down, look around, and breathe deep. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned trail regular, the new path to the Upper Falls is a journey worth taking.
