Hiking Project Logo

Catawba Falls Trail

Intermediate
 4.5 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Pisgah National Forest
Previous Next

“A great hike to base of Catawba Falls. ”

Bike -n-Hike
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add to Favorites · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

Point to Point

1,942' 592 m

High

1,592' 485 m

Low

357' 109 m

Up

8' 2 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Waterfall

Description

This is a very popular trail that was recently improved. The trail is now a flat, gravel path that is generally 5-feet wide allowing for lots of two-directional traffic. The trail crosses the Catawba River twice across large steel bridges. There is only one wet crossing, which is about two-thirds of the way up the trail.

Generally the trail has a gentle to moderately steep grade and should be easy for most people. 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. The last 200 feet of the trail becomes a narrow rocky scramble, but it's worth it to see Upper Catawba Falls. Past this point, there is an optional difficult climb at end of trail to top of falls that uses ropes and requires scrambling.

There are two other waterfalls along the trail but lots of great views of the Catawba River.

A pit-toilet is available at the trailhead if you need it, but here is no water so come prepared.

Despite the wide, packed dirt trail it is not suitable for strollers.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District

Shared By:

Bike -n-Hike with improvements by Sean Bloom
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 16 votes

#3

in Pisgah National Forest

#460

Overall
  4.4 from 16 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Pisgah National Forest

#19

in North Carolina

#460

Overall
42 Views Last Month
510 Since May 17, 2018
Intermediate
13%
7%
67%
0%
13%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Lower Catawba Falls - Sean Bloom
Mar 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Upper Catawba Falls - Sean Bloom
Mar 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Update Conditions
All Clear 16 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2020
Jeralyn Wright
1h 47m
Jul 19, 2020
Paul Osburn
2.4mi — 1h 40m
Jun 23, 2020
Michael Scarborough
Casual family hike! 2.4mi
Jun 21, 2020
Sgt Pepper
Great hike! Be prepared to take a dip in the pools at the falls! 2.4mi — 2h 30m
Jun 10, 2020
Chris Ferrone
Feb 23, 2020
Markus Hill
Beautiful day for hike with father and kids. A little muddy. 2.4mi — 1h 06m
Aug 26, 2019
Chase Feldbrugge
Aug 22, 2019
Tyler Seewer

Nearby Recommended Routes