Hiking in the mountains of North Carolina doesn’t always mean embarking on a strenuous journey you may not be prepared to tackle. The hike to Catawba Falls near Old Fort is one most everyone can handle. And even better: it leads to a 100-foot waterfall series deep in the Pisgah National Forest. Lace up your boots and get ready for an adventure!

You’ll find the trailhead for Catawba Falls at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762.

TripAdvisor/James Welcome to the Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests in the eastern United States. The forest is fully contained within the borders of the Tar Heel State and was established in 1916.

The trail to Catawba Falls clocks in at 2.1 miles and is rated as easy by All Trails.

alltrails/Dawn Edwards Enjoy a slow and easy pace on the little more than a mile it takes to get to the falls. You’ll pass by a couple of historic old structures as you walk along the creek.

You might even find yourself skipping rocks in a few water crossings. Be certain you have sure footing if you’re walking on rocks by the water.

TripAdvisor/David S And when you reach the falls (both the upper falls and the lower falls) avoid venturing too close as there have been many fatalities here when people lose their footing on slippery rocks.

The upper falls are quite impressive! With a free fall drop that spills onto a cascade, the falls also have a wading pool at the base.

Google Maps/Jason Mears In warmer months, the falls can get crowded. So if you’re hiking here in the summer or fall, you’ll want to schedule your hike for a weekday, if possible. And bring or wear swimwear!

The lower falls are equally beautiful and drop in series of cascades and drops.

Google Maps/Nikhil Philar This is easily one of the prettiest waterfall series in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Catawba Falls Trail is accessible year-round and dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.

Google Maps/Susan Alberto Keep in mind that although the trail is rated as easy, there is a total elevation change of 305 feet on this trail.

Have you hiked to Catawba Falls in North Carolina yet?

alltrails/Brian Murphy

Chasing waterfalls in North Carolina is one of our favorite activities! You’ll find the trailhead to Catawba Falls at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. There is a large parking area adjacent to the trailhead. Still, plan to arrive early in the morning during the height of the tourist season to assure you get a parking spot. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails!

TripAdvisor/James

Welcome to the Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests in the eastern United States. The forest is fully contained within the borders of the Tar Heel State and was established in 1916.

alltrails/Dawn Edwards

Enjoy a slow and easy pace on the little more than a mile it takes to get to the falls. You’ll pass by a couple of historic old structures as you walk along the creek.

TripAdvisor/David S

And when you reach the falls (both the upper falls and the lower falls) avoid venturing too close as there have been many fatalities here when people lose their footing on slippery rocks.

Google Maps/Jason Mears

In warmer months, the falls can get crowded. So if you’re hiking here in the summer or fall, you’ll want to schedule your hike for a weekday, if possible. And bring or wear swimwear!

Google Maps/Nikhil Philar

This is easily one of the prettiest waterfall series in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Google Maps/Susan Alberto

Keep in mind that although the trail is rated as easy, there is a total elevation change of 305 feet on this trail.

alltrails/Brian Murphy

For more amazing hikes in North Carolina, read: 7 Of The Greatest Mountain Hiking Trails In North Carolina For Beginners!

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Address: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA