Trail Guide - A New Path

Catawba Falls lookout

It’s hard to imagine a more publicized trail reopening than last spring’s debut of the iconic Catawba Falls Trail. Newspapers, TV, websites, and now WNC, have announced the reopening of the hike after two years of improvements. The cascade of media coverage and growing popularity are a testament to Old Fort’s sudden status as a trail town—and as an easy access point—just seven minutes from Exit 73 on I-40.

Once unsafe, even dangerous, the then stream-side trail has been rebuilt and expanded into a 3.5 mile loop. Starting counterclockwise from the parking area, the new, modern and sustainably graded Ridge Trail offers a 2.2 mile moderate climb past the base of 80-foot Upper Falls. 

From there, 580 steps of stairs and observation decks tame the falls’ downhill leg, a descent that drops the height of a 30-story building in the 0.1 mile along 205-foot Lower Falls. A 60-foot observation tower adds to a killer view that, before recent improvements, was indeed the tragic site of many rescues and deaths. (Always stay within designated viewing areas.)  

Catawba Falls

From the base of Lower Falls, it’s an easy 1.1 mile back to the parking area, with ruins of an early hydroelectric dam and the 0.25-mile Wildflower Trail, along the way. That means the River Trail offers the absolute easiest look at the falls, an out-and-back hike from the right side of the parking lot. Fans of heavy breathing can climb all those steps to the top and return on the Ridge Trail, but make the clockwise loop if you prefer going steeply down over huffing up.  

Distance: 3.5-mile loop, or 2.5 mile out and back to base of falls on River Trail.

Difficulty: Moderate for clockwise loop from parking area via Ridge Trail then River Trail, more strenuous counterclockwise. Easy on River Trail out and back to falls.

Navigate: From I-40 exit 73 in Old Fort, take the Catawba River Road 3.7 miles to the trailhead.