Catawba Falls Trail Hiking Guide
Catawba Falls used to be the waterfall hike that injured people: a steep, eroded scramble beside a 205-foot cascade near Old Fort, and a history of serious falls. The Forest Service rebuilt it with river bridges, three overlooks, a 60-foot observation tower and a 580-step staircase to the upper falls. It is now safer, and busier than ever — up to 10,000 visitors a week in peak season.
The Trail
The loop is about 3.5 miles with roughly 465 feet of gain to the falls. The lower falls, which drop 205 feet over a series of ledges, can be reached as a shorter out-and-back of a little over a mile. The upper falls, about 80 feet tall, sit above the new staircase. That climb is roughly the height of a 30-story building on its own, so the full route asks more of your legs than the headline gain suggests.
Repairs and Reopening
Hurricane Helene damaged the Catawba Falls area in September 2024, and the trail reopened in early 2025. The upper falls and top staircase closed briefly for repairs in May 2026, and the rebuilt upper viewing platform reopened in late September 2026. Some Forest Service pages may lag behind; if you want to reach the upper falls specifically, check with the Grandfather Ranger District before you go. Further flood-protection work on the parking area is planned.
Stay on the Structures
Slips on the wet rock beside the falls have caused serious injuries and deaths. The new stairs, bridges and platforms exist so that nobody has to climb the rock itself — use them. Stay off the old dam wall near the lower trail, too. The spray zone near the base of the lower falls is permanently slick, and the moss on the ledges is far more slippery than it looks.
Crowds and Timing
Weekends from late spring through October are extremely busy. Early mornings on weekdays are the best bet for a relaxed visit and a parking space. Spring and the days after heavy rain bring the biggest flow. Old Fort is about 30 minutes east of Asheville on I-40, making this an easy half-day trip.
Practicalities
There is no potable water on the trail; bring your own. Dogs are welcome; keep them leashed on the busy stairs and bridges. The river crossings are now bridged, but the ground near the falls stays wet all year, so wear shoes with good grip. Do not rely on phone signal in the gorge.
Hiking tips for Catawba Falls Trail
- Use the stairs, bridges and platforms — never the wet rock beside the falls.
- Budget extra effort for the 580-step staircase to the upper falls.
- Check with the Grandfather Ranger District if the upper falls are your goal; they reopened in September 2026.
- Come early on a weekday; peak weeks see up to 10,000 visitors.
- Bring your own water; there is no potable water on the trail.
Nearby trails to explore
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail
- Hooker, Triple and High Falls
- Looking Glass Rock Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Catawba Falls is a short drive from Asheville and a big waterfall payoff. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading out to Old Fort for an early start. Download the TrailMates app to connect.