Catawba Falls Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Waterfall

This is a very popular trail that was recently improved. The trail is now a flat, gravel path that is generally 5-feet wide allowing for lots of two-directional traffic. The trail crosses the Catawba River twice across large steel bridges. There is only one wet crossing, which is about two-thirds of the way up the trail.

Generally the trail has a gentle to moderately steep grade and should be easy for most people. The grade increases the last two-thirds of the trail, but is still easy to moderate and the width of the trail stays the same. The last 200 feet of the trail becomes a narrow rocky scramble, but it's worth it to see Upper Catawba Falls. Past this point, there is an optional difficult climb at end of trail to top of falls that uses ropes and requires scrambling.

There are two other waterfalls along the trail but lots of great views of the Catawba River.

A pit-toilet is available at the trailhead if you need it, but here is no water so come prepared.

Despite the wide, packed dirt trail it is not suitable for strollers.