Catawba Falls — Attraction in Old Fort

Both Upper and Lower Falls are now open (May 31, 2024) after being closed for 2 years to improve safety of route to Upper Falls after many serious injuries and some fatalities-remember the rope and steep slope you had to traverse in the past? Unfortunately, the route to Lower Falls no longer follows the creek and is a one lane gravel road now much of the way but that’s a small sacrifice to make to make Upper Falls more accessible to more people.

The NPS came up with an ingenious idea of 530 steps and a 40 door steel tower to traverse what was previously a dangerous route to the Upper Falls.

There are 2 options, a 3.6 mile loop or a 2.6 mile out and back on the River Trail. The 2.6 mile out and back allows the option to just see the Lower Falls ( about 2 miles) or go up and down the 530 steps to the Upper Falls whereas the loop would allow one to come down the steps without having to climb up and down them.

Even though this new set up is much safer I would still not advise in wet weather. And please wear suitable footwear (tennis shoes are ok if you don’t want to wear boots but please leave your flip flops and sandals at home-yes you’ll see some wearing them but it’s not as safe).

Kudos to the NPS for the hard work they’ve done and continue to do. Yes, some purists are hurt that the overall trail is not as nice as the old trail following the creek but the new safer route to the Upper Falls opens them up to many more people to enjoy. And it is worth the trip up to the Upper Falls!

UPDATE 12/17/24: As this area was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, please check on line with the Parks Service and other resources to learn about...

Catawba Falls is absolutely Beautiful!!! LOTS AND LOTS of STAIRS!!! The do have bathrooms with locks but no sink and the toliets are porta potty style. Definitely a workout! The kids loved the falls and swimming ones we got to the top though. I'd say dog friendly up until the lookout tower when it turns into grate like steps rather then wood. Definitely recommend good walking boots or shoes with good traction and lots of water on hand could refill at the top from the falls the water taste amazing and fresh! Plan for 3 to 5 hours if you want to take photos and time at the top to swim or if you are a slow walker. We went on a friday at the beginning of june. Got there around 1030am. Didnt leave until 4pm. It was me, my husband and my kids that are 10,9,7 and 5 plus my 14 year old niece they all did great on the hike (I was the one dying lol). There are no benches to rest on until you come to the 580 stair climb. But the first little bit of the hike isn't too bad. Starts flat and then a slight incline the rest of the way to the steps where it begins at the bottom of the falls. Wildflower trail was our only option to take the day we went. It is very narrow stopped often to let bigger groups go by and very muddy if wet. Plan accordingly! Otherwise great hike beautiful view! Worth...

Catawba Falls is reputed to be one of the best water falls in Western North Carolina. Having just visited them, I would agree they're outstanding, and definitely should be seen. It is a very popular place, and though the parking lot is large and often nearly full, it doesn't seem crowded. The two falls are completely different in their appearance. Linked by a series of 500+ steps or stairs with an observation platform midway, a visit to both is worth the effort. From the parking lot to the Lower Falls is an easy mile hike that gradually gains elevation the closer you get to the falls. Many people will choose to turn back after seeing them and not climb the stairs. If you climb another 0.3 mi to the Upper Falls, you may return the way you came or continue up Ridge Trail (2mi) and complete a loop back to the parking lot. Initially the Ridge Trail ascend along a broad level path, giving glorious views of the Piscah Natl Forest. Then it begins a long, more shaded, downhill path until you arrive back at your car. The loop this way is highly recommend as most of it is downhill. Nice moderate hike; well maintained trails with some repairs being done. Trailhead is easy to find; near Old Fort & I 40 exit. Vault toilets and trail map at the...