Catawba Falls

Facility · North Carolina ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Pisgah National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,584 ft
Elevation

Follow this trail along the scenic headwaters of the Catawba River for a 4 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. Historic buildings are scattered along the trail, remnants of the 1920's hydropower dam that provided power for the town of Old Fort. This hike does require several stream crossings. Be sure to wear solid boots to prevent from slipping and getting wet!

The trailhead can be accessed from Catawba River Road in Old Fort. For more information contact the Grandfather Ranger District at (828) 652-2144.

 

Getting there

35.61387, -82.22979 · 35°36'49.9"N 82°13'47.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in4.13.54.24.33.94.85.05.45.64.23.84.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Catawba Falls

Can you reserve a site at Catawba Falls?
No. Catawba Falls is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Catawba Falls

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.