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Catawba Falls Trail

Intermediate
 4.5 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Pisgah National Forest
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“A great hike to base of Catawba Falls. ”

Bike -n-Hike
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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

  4.5 from 17 votes

#2

in Pisgah National Forest

#401

Overall
  4.5 from 17 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Pisgah National Forest

#16

in North Carolina

#401

Overall
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746 Since May 17, 2018
Intermediate
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Photos

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

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Check-Ins

Jan 13, 2021
Jamil Zaidan
Nov 27, 2020
Walter K
A little muddy from recent rain — 9h 45m
Sep 13, 2020
Tia Wackerhagen
Very busy spot
Aug 29, 2020
Faadhil Moheed
Easy trail, cool waterfall at end 2.5mi — 1h 09m
Aug 15, 2020
Avi Rakhit
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

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