Trail Run Project Logo

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

81%

Runnable

2,436' 742 m

High

1,563' 476 m

Low

885' 270 m

Up

398' 121 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Description

This trail is a doubletrack, non-technical, mostly gravel trail, though it has some steep sections, which may be challenging for very young runners. When combined with the Catawba Falls Trail (signed as the Catawba Falls River Trail), it makes a loop. This ridge trail will add some effort to your run, but it isn't very technically interesting.

The doubletrack nature of the trail adds some ability for side-by-side conversation with your running partner, and there's an occasional interesting view. But the real highlight of this trail is getting to the pool at the upper falls, where you'll find many people in the water during the warm months. And while it doesn't scream "backcountry adventure", the stairs and observation tower down from the upper falls is pretty unique.

Shared By:

Bryan Engle

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#43926

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
100%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,668

in North Carolina

#43,926

Overall
0 Views Last Month
0 Since Jul 10, 2025
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Upper Catawba Falls - Sean Bloom
Mar 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Upper Falls pool
Jul 10, 2025 near Black M…, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 12 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.