Catawba Falls

3075 Catawba River Road, NC
4.8
16 Reviews
Catawba Falls
View all photos

Details

Distance
2.19 miles
Elevation Gain
394 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Waterfall
Dog Friendly
Scenic
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Justin Costner

Temporarily Closed. Take a ~3-mile hike to Catawba Falls, a 100 foot waterfall. Possible camping is available at Catawba Falls Campground.

Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov.

This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or on a weekday if you can swing it.

As you head out on the trail, the elevation gain is very gradual, but does increase as you get further in. Once you get to the lower falls, check to see if the trail to the upper falls is open. It's a little trickier of a hike to get to the upper falls, which is steeper and rockier, so use your best judgement.

If you want to make this adventure a little longer, there are private campsites available at Catawba Falls Campground.

If you went for a quick day hike, swing by Pisgah Brewing Co for a cold one. On occasion, they also have food trucks parked outside.

Show more
Suggest an edit

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Steven Rocca
8/30/2025
Well Marked
Bathrooms
Well Maintained
Report
Linda Long
1/24/2025
Well Maintained
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
Report
Taylor Minnick
9/17/2022
Fun for everyone
Good, short hike for all abilities. Falls are gorgeous and great to take a dip in during the summer. Recommend good shoes for this ...
Show more
Report
Sheryl Gruenig
8/1/2018
Easy hike and beautiful waterfall.
We regularly hike this 3.0 round trip hike. The path is pretty wide and moderately traveled. The paths and bridges have been ...
Show more
Report
Jean-Claude Linossi
3/20/2018
Catawba Falls
Easy hike on a well maintained trail. Scenic falls.
Report
Johnna Worley
10/8/2017
Easy Hike
The hike is a well maintained trail. We went during mid-July and it felt like we were in a rainforest. Hot, steamy, but beautiful.
Report
Melissa Nooney
5/27/2017
Beautiful Hike
This hike was relatively easy and the reward is insane. The most beautiful waterfalls I've seen in a long time!
Report
Jen Yuson
5/20/2017
Amazing Waterfall
One of the prettiest waterfalls in the area and a very easy hike.
Report
David Grassick
12/7/2016
Absolutely Beautiful
My girlfriend and I took her kids and 2 dogs on this hike and it was extremely enjoyable. The waterfalls and the views were breathtaking.
Report
Lyndsey Isley
9/18/2016
Beautiful Hike That's Worth The Climb!
Just went yesterday to Crabtree Falls. It's a great fall pretty close to Asheville. We went early in the morning to avoid the crowd ...
Show more
Report
Joseph Robinson
7/17/2016
Words Can't Describe
The waterfall is worth the bear crawl up the mountain and some of the areas.
Report
Ragu Arul
4/4/2016
A Hike Turned Into A Fun Challenge
This is the first time we took this hike and to put it in one word, it's Aweesomee!! We went to Asheville for a ...
Show more
Report
Kate Heid
3/28/2016
Great 3-mile hike with easy parking
We did this with two dogs and two babies. There is a stream crossing, but it's do-able for the whole family. The waterfalls are ...
Show more
Report
Missy Neff Gould
3/25/2016
Great Short Hike
Beautiful falls. Great short hike. Not overly strenuous but still a good little workout.
Report
Morgan Hewitt
3/14/2016
Get Your Feet Wet
A pretty easy hike with a few river crossings. Would have been wise to wear my sandals though!
Report
Andrew Logue
12/29/2015
One Of My Favorites Near Asheville
Easily one of my favorite hikes near Asheville. Not too difficult and relatively short hike with awesome trails along the river/creek. The falls at ...
Show more
Report