Catawba Falls, North Carolina: A Super Easy & Fun Hike
North Carolina offers some of the best hikes in the country, and I had the pleasure to take on one of them this past weekend. Catawba Falls is the perfect hike if you’re near Asheville and are looking for a quick adventure out in nature.
Length: 3 Miles Round Trip
Difficulty: Easy
As someone who does a lot of hikes but still lacks in the endurance department, I consider Catawba Falls to be a pretty easy hike. There are a few short moments of a more intense incline, but for the most part, the path is fairly steady. However, there are a few instances that require you to cross some small streams, so bring some shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.
After 1.5 miles of walking, you will reach the waterfall. At this point, you can choose to admire the falls from below, or you can scale some rocks and view the falls from a higher point. This will make your hike more difficult, but if you are capable of climbing the rocks, it can be a fun experience and a great viewpoint. Just stay safe and have a friend nearby in case you need assistance.
Scenery
Something I really appreciated about this hike was how much there was to look at. At different points of the hike, you could sit and view the running water, walk across scenic bridges, or peer into some historical ruins. In the 1920s, these ruins were part of the hydropower dam that used to power the whole town of Old Fort!
The Falls
Catawba Falls stands at an impressive 100 ft tall, and as you’re hiking along, you can hear the waters roaring from a ways away. It has become one of my favorite waterfalls, and I loved that you are able to get up close and personal with the cascading water. Sitting in front of the falls was such a peaceful moment, and I wish I soaked it up a bit more before leaving.
More Catawba Falls Hiking Info:
- Dog Friendly
- No Campsites
- Bathrooms Located at the Parking Lot
- No Biking
Check Out My Tik Tok About The Hike:
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14 Comments
Deirdre
Seems like such a nice hike! I love Asheville, next time I’m there I’ll have to check this spot out
Laura
The waterfall looks awesome for such a short easy hike!
Missy
The waterfalls look so pretty! I love the sound of crashing water and could spend hours at a waterfall.
Carrie Ann
This looks like the kind of hike I love—not too much incline and pretty scenery 🙂 I also enjoy exploring historic ruins, so If I’m ever in the area I’ll definitely check out Catawba Falls!
Ava
I love a hike with a waterfall. This one looks gorgeous.
Yanitza
I’m loving this waterfall and the fact that it’s only a 3-mile round trip hike. The historic ruins and bridges definitely have me wanting to do this!
Josy A
Love it! It’s always fab to find fun easy hikes like this that take you to waterfalls! 🙂
Was it busy by the falls, or was it pretty quiet? It looks like it would be great spot for a picnic.
alex
It was a bit busy by the falls, and there wasn’t really a great place for a picnic in that area sadly. However, there were a few points where you could walk down by the creek, and I bet you could have a great, relaxing picnic in those spots!
Alaina Thomas
A waterfall hike is my favorite type of hike! I also like how you can get so close to the falls.
Magdalena
Thank you for this post! I didn’t know about this place at all 🙂
Erin
Beautiful hike details, thanks for sharing!
Lasma
Oh this seems to be a very enjoyable hike! love the waterfalls! thanks for sharing!
Adrienne | Destinations & Desserts
What a gorgeous hike! Love the waterfall photos.
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