Keng L.

The falls is located just a short detour off I40 at Old Fort. A rather easy hike of 1.1 mile each way to catch a stellar waterfall. Stopped by a day after several days of rain so the waterway was just busting with run off. Small falls along the way. The main lower falls was spectacular. A new set of stairs was just installed in 2024 so there is now easier access to the upper falls. Easier as in climbing 535 steps.

Charles M.

Catawba Falls is a delightful destination! It's worth the easy to moderate walk to the lower falls, and the moderate to strenuous hike to the upper falls. At only 1+ miles from the parking lot, the lower falls is attainable at a leisurely pace. If you've brought your stroller, at some point you'll need to stash-and-stow alongside the path and carry your child since the dirt road gradually gains elevation to a narrower path. Earlier this year (2024), the upper falls became reachable by a series of stairs that replaced the ropes and treacherous footing. If you're not used to a stair workout, the steps will be challenging on the way up due to the number of them (over 500+). But, good news, I found the challenge definitely worthwhile because of the sight of the upper falls, and because going back down the stairs is far easier. The hike can be a loop, which we did not choose, or an out-and-back. The views as the elevation increases and the tree tops open up are beautiful! If you love an accessible hike, Catawba Falls can be found a short distance off of I-40. Note that on weekends, the parking lot can fill up quickly as the day progresses. Pit toilets (as in non-flushable and stinky) are located at the trailhead. One good thing about them - plenty of toilet paper. (Fall 2024: The falls are currently closed. Check its status before heading there.)

GiGi G.

Great hike. Not too treacherous. Lovely waterfall where you can take a dip in the cool water.

Heather V.

A fan favorite. Especially now that they've renovated the trail making it much more kid and elderly friendly. The parking lot can fill up fast especially in the spring and summer so plan accordingly. There are two bathroom stalls at the base of the trail but nothing else. I was disappointed to see no water fountain so be sure to pack enough and then some. It was about a little more than a mile from the base/parking lot to the falls where you can put your feet in and cool off. You can even take it a step further and take the newly added stairs to additional falls. Pending on your stamina. Come equipped with the correct type of shoes, sunscreen, bug spray is never a bad idea and you can't have enough water. The views of the falls made it worth the climb.

Richard R.

Since before COVID I've wanted to return to this magnificent waterfall to climb to the UPPER FALLS, but the trail was suddenly closed and has remained so for over 2 years. HOWEVER, AS OF MAY 31st, 2024, Catawba Falls trail has been reopened with a few new bonus features: 1) A newly built stair tower leading to Upper Catawba Falls and 2) a newly carved ridge trail leading up the mountain on the opposite side of the river directly from the parking area. Gone is the dangerous old goat trail, guided by a questionable rope that so many used to navigate their way to the upper falls, some to their own demise. TODAY is June 2nd, 2024 and we arrived to the trail at the beginning of a light rainstorm. Several Park Rangers were on hand this inaugural weekend to assist hikers with questions about the new trails. What we didn't know was part of the trail has been washed out about midway to the falls and hikers were diverted to a different trail that bypassed the washout for around 1/4 miles. The problem with this trail (named the Wildflower Trail) is it becomes VERY SLIPPERY when wet. Extreme caution had to be taken to stay upright, and even with caution we had several close calls. Wildflower trail also bypasses some of the prettier parts of the main trail where it hugs the river for nice views of cascades. The main waterfall is still awesome, but something seemed odd and overwhelming about the new stair tower. In my opinion it kinda took away from the natural beauty, but I am grateful it now exists to guide hikers safely to the upper falls. Many websites claim the lower falls are around 100 feet tall, but ALLTRAILS topography maps show its beginning elevation around 2165 feet and ends around 1965 feet, making it approximately 200 feet tall (not counting the cascades above or below it). There are exactly 580 steps leading to the Upper Falls according to the informational signage, which also says the Upper Falls have a height of 80 feet. IMHO it doesn't visibly look taller than 50 or 60 feet when standing at the base. But no matter its correct height, I find the Upper Falls to be more beautiful than the Main Falls. I've waited so long to see it in person and even with low water flow it did not disappoint. Every bit as scenic as I hoped! I just wish the day had been sunnier for brighter photos. You can continue along the RIDGE TRAIL to return to the parking lot or go back down the new stair tower. Some suggest hiking the RIDGE TRAIL to the upper falls first and taking the stairs back, but everyone we talked to who had just hiked the ridge trail in the rain said it was EXTREMELY SLIPPERY. So we only used the river trail coming and going. HIKING INFO * Restrooms : YES * PARKING LOT SIZE : LARGE (100+ cars) * Directional signage : YES * DISTANCE TO LOWER FALLS from parking : 1 mile on River Trail (add .1 mile for Wildflower detour trail) * DISTANCE to upper falls from lower falls : .2 mile + 580 stairs * RIVER TRAIL DIFFICULTY : EASY when dry; MODERATE when wet * RIDGE TRAIL DIFFICULTY : MODERATE (adds about .9 miles) * 535 TOWER OF STEPS : MODERATE (Take your time! Plenty of places to stop and rest on the way up) * TIME : It took 35 minutes to reach the Main Falls on the River Trail. We reached the upper falls about 1 hour after we began the hike, counting stops for pics and our very slow pace due to slippery conditions. Overall our round trip time was 1 hour and 45 minutes with a total of 2.6 miles. Soaking rain kept us from lingering too long at the falls. Informational signage is confusing on the stair count. It refers to there being 535 stairs, but also 580 stairs on another section of the same sign. I believe the 535 are the tower itself and the additional 45 steps are the wood timbers along the trail above the tower. I could be wrong, I didn't actually count. NOTE: Metal grates on some of the tower steps are unfriendly to small dogs. You will likely have to carry them over these sections. FINAL THOUGHTS Bottom line, the new Catawba Trail System is one for the books! Historic in that they are the first set of steps ever built, giving easy access to the upper falls as well as a new ridge trail for an alternate route. It is more preferable to hike these trails when they are dry, but what's the fun in that? Almost slipping off a mountain can make you feel surprisingly alive! LOL THANK YOU to all the people who made these new features possible!

Beautiful area! Tried walking the trail to see the falls but it was too hard for my hubby with bad knees. Sat at the picnic table. Brought our lunch and our dog. Beautiful weather.

Elesa Z.

It was quite the joke but the waterfalls were worth it. Bring plenty of water and a can-do attitude and you'll be all set. Warning: contains lots and lots and lots of stairs, upward hike depending on which direction you start. And if you're afraid of heights you would be done when you reached the tower (which is before the actual large waterfall). Before the tower there are still a few little waterfalls for you to enjoy. Yours a busy trail but with broad pathways.

Perfect day hike! Recommended for all ages & skill levels. Lots of wildlife. Lots of stairs (if you choose this route). Lots of space. Lots of cool mushrooms! Easy drive from Charlotte. 10/10.

Carlos G.

We came here with our hiking group two weeks ago and it was an awesome hike! I hadn't ever been before so I can't say what the old trail was like, but they've definitely done an excellent job with the new trail. The section from the parking lot to the lower falls is mostly gravel and not too steep. The section to the upper falls is a lot of steps but there's spots to sit and rest along the way and the tower has a nice spot to look out from. Not an easy hike, per se, but definitely not too difficult and the last leg is well worth it to see the upper falls.

Lisa O.

Moderate difficulty , 2.3 miles, 341 FT elevation. Dog, kid and hiker friendly. River views, waterfall, forest, wildflower, wildlife. Great parking. Historical building on the trail dating back to the 1920's. We were staying at a hotel and were talking to a local. She said it was a nice easy hike and she loved taking her kids. Depending on what type of hiker you are depends on if this is an easy hike or not. For my 60 year old sister, it was a challenge. For me at 52 and I hike all the time it was easy and really lovely. We totally enjoyed every aspect. It was not super crowded. I met a great local guy and it was like meeting a historian. He knew all about the historical building. I wish I could remember him name because he was awesome. Took time out of his hike to give me a complete history lesson. He was great if you know his name please me a message in the comments. For me this is why I hike to meet the most interesting people on the planet. Weather was perfect this time of year. We did not even need bug spray. The water was perfect. I got in and totally enjoyed it. Getting in it optional because my sister did not get in and was not interested in getting in but she still enjoyed watching everyone. The waterfalls are small but totally worth hiking to. I could see taking a backpack lunch and sitting and eating lunch. Dogs were enjoying it and seemed like kids of all ages were enjoying it too. If you are in the area I would say give it a try. You might discover you love hiking like I do.