Catawba Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Old Fort

We moved to the area right when this trail was closed for construction so we were anxious to check it out after its two years’ of updates. Since the trail only just reopened a month ago (and since the start of the busy tourist season here in WNC) we totally expected the busy turnout on a Sunday afternoon. Lots of families, large groups, folks with puppers — there are several ways to experience the falls for different groups.

We did the full, ~4 mile loop ascending via the Ridge Trail, linked up with the Upper Falls and then descended down a series of shiny new decking and a stair tower to the Lower Falls below and back to the parking lot. The full loop is definitely a climb at approximately 800’ full elevation gain in total so pack water make frequent stops if you’re visiting in the summer and are not a seasoned hiker like us. I recommend starting with the Ridge Trail as the path up is dirt with a series of switchbacks and not climbing up flights and flights of stairs (I found it easier and more relaxing taking my time going down the steps instead). This order also leaves the Upper and Lower Falls as a treat toward the end of the loop as a hard-earned reward for your ascent. (Note: if you have a fear of heights, please note that the view down from the decks, balconies and tower can be pretty intense and immersive. I observed several folks grabbing onto the railings tightly and crouching down a bit from the experience).

For a ~2.5 mile, out-and-back, more chill experience, I recommend hiking out to the Lower Falls, taking in the gorgeous views above and in the river and heading back. Note that part of this path was still under construction and had equipment, loose rock and vehicles parked on it, so be sure to follow the signs.

Be safe and enjoy a lovely day out at Catawba Falls when you’re...

Rated as a moderate due to not being a lengthy trail, but if you are more of a novice hiker just out to see some sights, then this would probably be a difficult hike (especially if you go all the way up to the Upper Falls). Plenty of parking and a nice restroom building greets you at the bottom. The trail up to the falls is more of a roadway, but you still enjoy a nice quiet hike to the stairs. The stairways start right before the base of the falls, so if you want to see the falls without using the stairs, not probably going to give you a good view. There are several platforms along the way to get a good view of the falls and the valley all the way to the top. No notable storm damage to the stairways. The first damage to the stairs is by the upper falls, but you can avoid that by crossing the creek below the falls and taking a short right back to the falls for a good view. You can see the footings for the platform there that washed away. I continued my hike on up to the Ridge Trail and on back to the parking lot. The Ridge Trail is fairly bland, and it was good that I hiked on a cold day as it would have been very muddy if it had been warmer. Took me an hour and a half to hike the loop. Very nice trail - definitely designed for tourist, but still a good workout going up all...

Holy stair climbing Batman!” On this trail you much choose between two evils. One side of the ascent is steep, uneven and not so scenic. The other side is more gently sloping and much more scenic. Then you reach the falls…. From the steep side you see the top, and must descend to appreciate its beauty. From the sloping side you see the falls from the bottom (and it is worth seeing) BUT! To complete the loop from the bottom of the falls you must climb stairs to the top. Almost 14 floors worth of steps. Steep steps. Stair climber steps. After hiking up 2 miles you get to climb this vertical monstrosity of stairs and landings. I am a relatively low skill hiker. I’m 60 yrs old but I work on my feet all day and average probably 13,000 steps a day. I thought I was going to die. If you were wise enough to climb the steeper way up, you get to descend the stairs. We came the other way. Whoever called this loop moderate, deserves to get a blasting bout of diarrhea in a hot car on a highway miles from a rest stop. That’s all I have to...