Updated July 2026
Catawba Falls
A multi-tiered cascade on the headwaters of the Catawba River in Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort. The trail reopened in May 2024 with new stairs, overlooks, and an observation tower to the upper falls.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Pisgah National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Catawba Falls drops about 100 feet. That makes it the 191st-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 73% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Catawba Falls River Trail reaches it about 2.2 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 308 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Old Fort. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Pisgah National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Crabtree Falls · 70 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
- Dry Falls · 75 ft
Sources
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