The mountain waterfall trail that reopened after 2 long years but then damaged by Hurricane Helene
Catawba Falls is an easy hike with a stunning waterfall in North Carolina, and it’s open to the general public after a long hiatus though flood waters destroyed some improvements.
The Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina have a wide range of trails that lead visitors to various wonders. From old-growth forests to unique outcroppings and spectacular views, the wonders of the mountains are usually only a good hike away.
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However, some hikes are more strenuous than others and some wonders are more spectacular than others. Choosing the right combination of hike and destination can be challenging. In recent years that choice was made even harder as one particularly manageable hike to an especially spectacular wonder has been off-limits. That trail reopened to the public last summer to much rejoicing but suffered a Hurricane Helene-related setback. Despite the damage to recently finished additions, it remains open for anyone willing to make the trek.
What is Catawba Falls?
Catawba Falls is Located in the Grandfather Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. The cascading waterfalls are especially beautiful. The water of the Catawba River breaks into a variety of free-falls and cascades. Dozens of smaller waterfalls form one of the more spectacular sights in the mountains.
The Catawba Falls area is a somewhat recent addition to the National Forest Service’s jurisdiction. The land was purchased in a pair of transactions in 2005 and 2007. In 2012, a parking area and restroom were added at the trailhead. Catawba Falls quickly became one of the more popular treks in the mountains.
It’s a moderately difficult hike, it’s a four-mile round trip to see the 100-foot high cascades. But there is relatively little elevation change. The hike does require several stream crossings so good boots to prevent slippage and leaking are highly recommended.
Why was it closed?
The trail needed work to improve safety. The Forest Service went in and added stairs, retaining walls and boardwalks. The addition of the 60-foot stair tower to the upper falls included three overlook platforms. At the time, the Forest Service said trail improvements have been part of the plan since the Forest Service acquired the site in 2006. In addition, the Forest Service also completed the necessary erosion repair work. Much of which comes with a trail being especially popular.
The trail was reopened to the public in June of 2024 with some relatively minor work in progress. The improvements at the base of the upper falls were finished in August. Unfortunately, they didn’t last long.
“While portions of the trail sustained serious damage during Helene, the stair and tower structure were undamaged,” the Forest Service says. “However, the improvements at the base of the upper falls, completed in August 2024, were destroyed by the high waters.”
The entire loop trail is open. But the upper viewing platform and Wildflower Trail remain closed. Repairs are expected to continue through spring and summer.
How to find it
The trailhead is located at 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. It’s about 30 minutes East of Asheville. Be sure to follow signs from the trailhead and obey all posted closures.
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