Located near Old Fort, North Carolina, only 26 miles east of Asheville, the 100-foot tall Catawba Falls highlights the scenic beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. Following a well maintained trail along a mossy riverbed on the Catawba River, the sounds of rushing water over many small cascades accompany visitors on this slightly uphill, family-friendly 2.5 mile out and back hike.
This is a popular tourist destination with a large parking lot, restrooms and an informational placard at the trailhead. Accordingly, visitors should plan upon an early arrival if wishing to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, absent crowds – mine was the second car parked onsite, though an estimated 80 vehicles were observed at the time of my departure.
Under a shaded forest canopy, hikers will cross the river on two footbridges and encounter remnants of an early 1900’s hydroelectric dam…
There are also several interesting side trails leading to picturesque spots aside Catawba River…
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Lower Catawba Falls
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If you’d like to extend your hiking adventure by undertaking a strenuous and difficult climb, another 1/2 mile trek leads to the beautiful Upper Catawba Falls. Warning: this is potentially a dangerous area if you’re not skilled at climbing rocks and steep mountainsides, and hikers must ascend a 25-foot rock face using a secured rope for assistance. Here are a few photographs along the trail…
Upper Catawba Falls
The sound of falling water continued to intensify, until, finally, I could see Upper Catawba Falls through the trees! Standing approx. 60-feet tall, this isolated, picturesque waterfall features a broad plunge pool with large rocks scattered to the side, useful as seating. With a snack and water, I enjoyed the sights & sounds of this setting, uninterrupted over the course of my 45-minute stay.
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Thanks for stopping by!
mesmerizing.
Thanks – glad you like it!
Very beautiful post! and very beautiful pics!!
Thanks, Amit – glad you like it!
Very well done. Do you use a plug-in for the Google Map?
Thanks, Michael – glad you like it! For the map: I input a given location into google.com/maps, click Share, click Embed, select a Size & click Copy HTML. Then, in my WordPress post, I insert a “Custom HTML” block and paste the aforementioned code therein.
Very nice! Almost went here a couple years back, feel like I really missed out! Next time I’m in that area I definitely have to go!!
I was really pleased with the area! My first time there, leaving at 4:45 am on a 2.5 hour drive was a good call, to arrive early. I did the lower & upper falls before it got busy, then enjoyed the largely unused side trails along Catawba River on my return. 👍
Very beautiful 😍
Thanks, Balle ~ glad you like it 🙂
Wow, Phil, you always find the coolest places, this is amazing! My mom used to live near there, now I wished I had explored the area more when I had the chance!
Thanks, Tiffany 🙂 It really was a nice place. I’d been looking forward to it, and finally – with good weather forecast – made the trek 👍
Beautiful falls.
Thanks – glad you like it!
It’s my pleasure – Stay safe !
Really very beautiful place to spend time in the nature.Your photography certainly gets the credit of making it truly beautiful.Thank you very much for sharing.Take care.🌹👍🙏
Thank you, Francis – glad you like it!
Most welcome.🌹👍🙏