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Catawba Falls
What you need to know
Catawba Falls is a waterfall hiking trail in Pisgah National Forest off Interstate 40 at Old Fort, east of Asheville. The trail follows the Catawba River upstream about 1.5 miles, past the 205-foot Lower Falls to the 80-foot Upper Falls. A Forest Service rebuild added 580 stairs, three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower on the climb to Upper Falls, and the Ridge Trail loops back to the parking lot for about 3.5 miles total. The upper viewing platform reopened in September 2026 after Hurricane Helene repairs.
Local's Tip
Get there early on weekends, since the parking lot fills fast. Check Forest Service alerts before you go, because Helene repair work still closes sections now and then.
What the locals say
It's one of the most popular waterfall hikes east of Asheville, and locals who know it go early or on a weekday to beat the crowds.
What you need to know
Catawba Falls is a waterfall hiking trail in Pisgah National Forest off Interstate 40 at Old Fort, east of Asheville. The trail follows the Catawba River upstream about 1.5 miles, past the 205-foot Lower Falls to the 80-foot Upper Falls. A Forest Service rebuild added 580 stairs, three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower on the climb to Upper Falls, and the Ridge Trail loops back to the parking lot for about 3.5 miles total. The upper viewing platform reopened in September 2026 after Hurricane Helene repairs.
What the locals say
It's one of the most popular waterfall hikes east of Asheville, and locals who know it go early or on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Scoops for Catawba Falls