Someone told me the trail to the upper falls was closed, but later I was told by friends that they were mistaken and it is open. The easy part is to the falls and is pleasant and beautiful.The parking lot was recently enlarged and accommodates more… Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Beautiful trail with scenery at every step. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For some reason it was not initially easy to find the trailhead and our GPS was not helpful. Thanks to a man who frequents visiting the falls, he showed us a Copperhead behind a rock and the pen found two other Copperheads to show our grandchildren. Catawba Falls Preserve adjoins the Pisgah National Forest and there are abundant walking and biking trails that lead across country or to one of several waterfalls. The trail is very flat and wide. It’s in the southern tip of the Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather Ranger District, just south of the Old Fort grade on I-40. Catawba Falls is part of the Pisgah National Forest. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. Free parking is available at the trailhead. Here is our interactive GPS map of the area with downloadable data. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement. The addition of a public parking area and restroom facilities in … Follow this trail along the scenic headwaters of the Catawba River for a 4 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall. You must ford the creek at one section, which is relatively easily done while keeping dry by crossing rocks, though this could be a challenge for senior hikers concerned about footing (bring your hiking stick if so!). He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. The community is well established with a security gate, paved roads, and underground utilities. Catawba Falls is located south of Mount Mitchell, the tallest summit east of the Mississippi River, and one of the most beautiful, scenic hiking areas weve explored. 8-15-20 - finally added Maxie Duke Falls and Sparkle Falls to the Sids Falls page of my site. For many years Catawba falls was hidden away on private property, not accessible by the public. The hike departs a signed trailhead near Old Fort, just east of Asheville on I-40 (view maps and driving directions). © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The headwaters of the Catawba River are beautifully scenic. Catawba Falls – Waterfall Hike Trail Details: The Hike: Word is out about this beautiful waterfall and as such this hike has a tendency to get busy on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. Rocks were slippery at the end, but other than that super easy and very easy trail to follow. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. Up until around 2006, however, I was off limits to the public. Maybe it's better M-Th than when I went on a Friday? A steep side trail descends to the river’s banks at .9 mile, catching views of a tumbling waterfall on the river beside a small cave. Catawba Falls Trail: Part Two After the Lower Falls, the real fun begins. A system of gaps and trails were the primary transporation routes of early Tennessee settlers. 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