The history, beautiful forest and stunning waterfalls score this trail high with local hikers: it’s one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Asheville, and it makes for a great, shady trail run, too. Generally the trail has a gentle to moderately steep grade and should be easy for most people. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. The hike departs a signed trailhead near Old Fort, just east of Asheville on I-40 (view maps and driving directions). It’s definitely easy BUT it is uphill most of the way to the fall and there are some rocky parts and a part with a little brook you have to cross. May 10, 2016 - 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. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! The hike time is roughly half hour each way with another half hour to enjoy the waterfall. However, if one stays on the main trail, they would miss many wonders. Our dog loved it! 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. Once you get to the lower falls, check to see if the trail to the upper falls is open. Super easy fun, fast hike at the end of a great birthday weekend, This is an easy shorter hike and a very popular hike for Asheville locals. Catawba Falls is located south of Mount Mitchell, the tallest summit east of the Mississippi River, and one of the most beautiful, scenic hiking areas we’ve explored. The 1.5-mile hike (3 miles round-trip) is a steady and slightly uphill walk but it … This early 20th century photograph from the Vella Hendrix Landis Collection of the Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center shows a group visiting Catawba Falls. The falls are reached by a steady uphill walk following the Catawba River. Low effort, high yield. Saw a decent amount of people, but not overcrowded! This level is basically the same as the Moderate level but there is more of it. This trail features nice little side trails to hang out by the creek, and the waterfall at the end is totally worth the 1.2 mile hike. Easy, short hike to pretty waterfalls. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Le sentier longe une cascade et sa difficulté est évaluée comme facile. The trail ends at the base of Catawba Falls, a tall, multi-drop waterfall plunging more than 150 feet. Catawba Falls is located south of Mount Mitchell, the tallest summit east of the Mississippi River, and one of the most beautiful, scenic hiking areas weve explored. Lot of people but once you see the falls you’ll know why. Lot 124 Atlantic Falls Trail #124 Black Mountain, NC 28711 Catawba Falls Preserve Subdivision. Great water falls and super easy to hike. The hike to Catawba Falls is a pleasant three miles round trip (Yellow Blaze) through a shady, moss-covered forest. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Submitted by Joe Linehan Ice is Nice. The section to Upper Catawba Falls is NOT for novice hikers as it requires scrambling large rock shelves and verticle terrain. The trailhead area is shown on this map, but the trail itself is not visible. Trailful Outdoor Co. is a registered trademark of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. Catawba Falls has long been known as one of the finest cascades in North Carolina. The majority of the Catawba Falls hike is a steady uphill and elevation will increase 465 feet from beginning to end. Catawba Falls Trail Bridge (The old crossing was on stepping stones - making it hard or impossible to access the falls in high water - and hard to keep your feet dry anytime!) Le sentier longe une cascade et sa difficulté est évaluée comme facile. By the 1800s, it was used as a stagecoach route to Asheville. Catawba Falls Preserve offers mountain homes, log cabins, and mountain lots. A steep side trail descends to the river’s banks at .9 mile, catching views of a tumbling waterfall on the river beside a small cave. Had I taken crampons it would not have been a problem but climbing to the top of the falls was very icy. Hike back the trail in reverse to return to the parking lot. The rustic remnants and ruins of the electrical plant still stand in the quiet, sun-dappled forest today, covered in moss and lichen, and slowly receding into the forest. The Catawba Falls trail is wide, easy to walk, has just a few rocks, and a small but manageable stream crossing with some creek stops along the way. You’ll find the trailhead to Catawba Falls at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. The concierge at our hotel suggested this place as a scenic waterfall hike. Great trail for dogs. 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 label for Allison Ridge. MCDOWELL. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? The beginning of the trail was… As you approach the falls, the trail splits and has several roots, so wear proper footing. You'll hear the river picking up steam as you climb. I for sure recommend this hike! Still, plan to arrive early in the morning during the height of the tourist season to assure you get a parking spot. Up until around 2006, however, I was off limits to the public. $47,500. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC, Mount Mitchell Summit and Balsam Nature Trail, Deep Gap Trail from Mount Mitchell to Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain. His mission? There are ample parking and great restroom facilities at the trailhead. We'd love to know! Pictures. The trail itself is 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) and passes several small waterfalls before ending at the 100+ foot waterfall, Catawba Falls. Lower Catawba Falls is beautiful in its own right. That said, Catawba Falls is a special place, and one of the things that makes it so special is the fact that for many years it was off-limits to the public. Catawba Falls Trail est un sentier aller-retour de 3.7 kilomètres très fréquenté situé près de Black Mountain, Caroline du Nord. Getting Started. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Until trail conditions improve, though, the trail to the upper falls is officially closed. Lots of kids, dogs and families today. Learn More . The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. The headwaters of the Catawba River are beautifully scenic. Beautiful place. So please be safe and observe all signage along the trail. 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. Falls are beautiful but the trail is muddy & icy at the top to get to the falls when I went. Catawba Falls Trail is a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Black Mountain, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Follow this trail along the scenic headwaters of the Catawba River for a 4 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. Catawba Falls is relatively close to downtown Asheville (just 25 miles away) and offers stunning beauty thanks to a series of cascades that, together, are 100 feet tall. The park is dog-friendly, but dogs must be leashed. Difficulty Level: Moderately Advanced (See map below) TOTAL DISTANCE: 2.5 Miles Round Trip. Catawba Falls Trail: Part Two After the Lower Falls, the real fun begins. The trail begins at the kiosk and follows the left side of the river up to the new foot bridge. Took me about 30 minutes to get to the trailhead from Asheville. From I-40 Exit 73 follow Catawba River Road to the US Forest Service parking area. The hike returns to the main trail, crossing the stream, Clover Patch Branch, and resuming the climb. Great little trail in the snow beautiful falls. The route followed the Catawba River, then a tributary called Chestnut Branch to the Swannanoa Gap. Passing one mile, the trail becomes rocky, scrambling over boulders and crossing Chestnut Branch, as the sound of rushing water grows louder. This waterfall hike, located in the Pisgah National Forest just east of Asheville, follows the cascading Catawba River along a mossy trail laden with hues of red, yellow and orange. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Le sentier est principalement utilisé pour la randonnée et est accessible toute l'année. Address & GPS . Easy hike but a small bit of climbing rocks at the falls. The trail to the 100'+ Catawba Falls is 1.2 miles and is fairly easy for most, moderate for others. In 2012, the U.S. Forest Service opened a parking lot and restrooms for the waterfall hiking trail in Pisgah National Forest. The trail reaches the Catawba River at just under .2 mile, following yellow trail blazes on a newly-opened section of trail. Not too much mud. Even on the lower Catawba Falls, you must be careful on the slippery rocks around the waterfall or you could fall and be seriously injured. There is an upper falls, but do not pursue until the USFS officially improves and extends the trail. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. Also, there were a lot of people NOT wearing masks and very inconsiderate of other’s space. There is one tricky stream crossing (0.9 mi) on stepping stones which can be more difficult have heavy rains. Please always practice good trail etiquette. It is in the Catawba River National Forest about 20 miles east of Asheville. AT YOUR OWN RISK. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. Not to bad of a hike was just alittle muddy from the snow melt.. Nice trail in the snow & a great trail for a short hike we did after leaving Asheville, close to I-40 on the way out of town. There is a water crossing where, what I think is where the Chestnut Branch flows across the trail into the Catawba River. Easy hike overall. Catawba Falls Trail. Mitchell side of the map, below I-40. Today, the path leading to the top was very muddy and near the top it became very snowy/icy, so wear appropriate shoes. In the early 1900s, the river’s turbulent flow was dammed by a small concrete dam and harnessed by a hydroelectric facility. View real estate for sale and set up a viewing today. Awesome ending to a cold snowy weekend trip, definitely worth the hike. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Prior one oc… Or hike from peak to peak on the Deep Gap Trail from Mount Mitchell to Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain, following the view-packed ridge line of the Black Mountain range. Currently, it is a very dangerous climb which has resulted in injury and death. Les chiens sont les bienvenus sur ce sentier. During drought conditions the water is barely visible on the lower drop as it is funneled through seams in the cliff. Catawba Falls cascades over a rocky, blocky outcrop, spilling in multiple tiers and tendrils over the moss and plant-covered cliff. 1.77. I had to be harsh and tell a group to respect my space. (Please don’t climb on the dam ruins or near the rocks surrounding waterfalls, as they’re often very slippery!). Great maintained hike, easy enough for dogs and kids. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Les chiens sont les bienvenus sur ce sentier. 1 / 37. 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. Be sure to step across the creek off the falls to see the falls from different Catawba Falls Trail. Dec 28, 2016 - 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. Catawba Falls Hiking trail in Dendron, North Carolina (United States). It was a bit icy on the trail next to the waterfall, but very pretty. 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. The Blue Ridge Mountains have some of the best Fall colors in the US. Once you arrive at the top, the waterfalls are beautiful and worth the hike. The trail officially ends at the falls. Great hike, but pretty popular and crowded even in the winter. Even on its busiest day, the hike feels private, almost like walking through a primeval forest. Previously, the trail continued past the lower falls, making an extremely difficult, heavily eroded and dangerous climb to an upper waterfall. Catawba Falls Trail. Catawba Falls Trail. If you’re hiking with someone, stay together so that no one goes off on their own and gets lost. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. LOCATION:east of Asheville, in the Pisgah National Forest, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 779 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). Water fall is super beautiful! To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. Great hike. 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. Land For Sale. Loved this one!! SAFETY WARNING: There have been deaths and many injuries caused by hikers falling from the falls. The hike to Catawba Falls is a workout with the falls at the end of the trail as the icing on this natural cake! Crushed limestone trail is wide with gentle grades. It is possible to continue steeply upstream to Upper Catawba Falls, but the Forest Service discourages this practice due tof environmental impact and because several fatalities that have occurred. COUNTY. The footbridge at the start of the trail makes it easier for visitors to come, even after heavy rainfall. The trail reaches the trailhead at 2.7 miles, completing the adventure. Catch stunning, sweeping, see-forever views and hike through a beautiful high-elevation forest on the Mount Mitchell Summit and Balsam Nature Trail. Catawba Falls Events can be the backdrop for any type of company outing. … Or hike from peak to peak on the Deep Gap Trail from Mount Mitchell to Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain, following the view-packed ridge line of the Black Mountain range. Shortly up the trail, you'll see two rope assists to help you on your way. Very muddy right now but the falls are killer because of the rain. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. The trails are longer and steeper. It was about 35 degrees outside, but sun was shining. The last 200 feet of the trail becomes a narrow rocky scramble, but it's worth it … Please do not climb on slick rocks and in close vicinity of the falls. The falls are mesmerizing. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pretty muddy. The U.S. Forest Service recently has made the easy-to-moderate trail even more enjoyable by adding two new footbridges so that you no longer have to rock hop across the river to enjoy the falls. Departing the waterfall, the hike doubles back on the outbound trail, an easy and nearly continuous descent. The hike arcs through a switchback and rounds a curve, the lower stretches of the towering waterfall suddenly appearing in the near distance. For many years, while the falls were located on public land, visitor access to the falls was heavily restricted. I was solo so I like to see another face here and then. Catawba Falls Trail est un sentier allez-retour de 2.1 miles très fréquenté situé près de Old Fort, Caroline du Nord. The only access points to the falls were a trail that went through private property, and an access point off of … Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is one of our favorite activities! Check out more of our favorite. 35.613083, -82.230667     //     N35 36.785 W82 13.840. Loved this, did it in under an hour when it was lightly raining so it wasn’t too busy. The hike continues climbing, reaching the concrete ruins of a dam, now covered in moss and lichen. Look at the very bottom of the Mt. 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. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! Large parking lot right at the trailhead. It’s muddy and at some points you have to paddle through water run off so wear waterproof shoes. If you want to make this adventure a little longer, there are private campsites available at Catawba Falls Campground. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. The latest was February 2018. Citizen-Times article. Catawba Falls is a series of waterfalls on the headwaters of the Catawba River, in McDowell County, near Old Fort, North Carolina. 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. Steep at the top! At just over 2.5 miles, roundtrip, and with just over 300 feet of climb, it’s a moderate hike that’s great for families with kids, families with dogs or just about anyone in search of some beautiful waterfalls. My wife and I wanted some outdoor adventure while visiting the Ashevillle area. The hike follows the river upstream, climbing elevation and rising high above the river’s banks. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement. I would definitely recommend waterproof hiking boots for this hike if you don’t want your feet getting a little wet! ACRES. Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. So people, please wear and mask and respect yourself and others. 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.
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