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2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

Point to Point

2,436' 742 m

High

1,563' 476 m

Low

885' 270 m

Up

398' 121 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly This trail is a doubletrack, non-technical trail. It has some steep sections, which may be challenging for very young hikers. Kids will love swimming in the pool below the falls.

Description

This trail is a doubletrack, non-technical, mostly gravel trail, though it has some steep sections, which may be challenging for very young hikers. When combined with the Catawba Falls Trail (signed as the Catawba Falls River Trail), it makes a loop. This ridge trail will add some effort to your hike, but it isn't very technically interesting.

The doubletrack nature of the trail adds some ability for side-by-side conversation with your hiking partner, and there's an occasional interesting view. But the real highlight of this trail is getting to the pool at the upper falls, where you'll find many people in the water during the warm months. And while it doesn't scream "backcountry adventure", the stairs and observation tower down from the upper falls is pretty unique.

Shared By:

Bryan Engle

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#43539

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#1,664

in North Carolina

#43,539

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0 Since Jul 10, 2025
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Photos

Upper Catawba Falls - Sean Bloom
Mar 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Upper Falls pool
Jul 10, 2025 near Black M…, NC

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