WaterfallNear Me

Upper Catawba Falls

McDowell County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
McDowell County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial: loop trail open; the Forest Service lists the upper viewing platform as closed
The walk
About 3.5 miles as a loop
Ground & access
Mostly easy trail to Catawba Falls, then a steep climb of about 580 steps including a steel tower. Ridge Trail is steep in places. Do not climb on the rocks beside the falls.
USDA Forest Service: Catawba Falls
Upper Catawba Falls, NC
Upper Catawba Falls, NC
Photo creditPhoto: bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Start on Catawba Falls River Trail to the right of the restrooms. Cross the river on the footbridge by the old hydropower ruins and follow the river upstream past the Lower Catawba Falls overlook to the base of Catawba Falls. Climb the stair system (about 500 to 580 steps) to the top, then continue about 0.1 miles toward the upper falls. Return the same way, or cross the river below the upper falls and take Catawba Falls Ridge Trail back to the parking area.

Plan your visit

Catawba Falls trailhead at the end of Catawba River Road, Catawba Falls River Trail and the stair system past Catawba Falls; return on Catawba Falls Ridge Trail

The Forest Service gives a total loop distance of 3.5 miles via the upper falls and Ridge Trail. NCWaterfalls.com lists 1.2 miles to the upper falls by the shortest route, not counting the stairs.

Mostly easy trail to Catawba Falls, then a steep climb of about 580 steps including a steel tower. Ridge Trail is steep in places. Do not climb on the rocks beside the falls.

Where to start

Forest Service parking area at the end of Catawba River Road, about 3 miles from I-40 exit 73 in Old Fort. Waterfall Hero says not to park anywhere else on the road.

Timing & water

The Forest Service says the loop trail is open, but the upper viewing platform and Wildflower Trail remain closed following Hurricane Helene. The upper falls can dry to a trickle in low water.

Before you go

Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. No fee is stated by the sources.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

McDowell County, North Carolina.

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