Catawba Falls

Catawba Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Pisgah National Forest, near the small town of Old Fort in McDowell County. The 1.1-mile River Trail to the 250-foot cascading lower falls is rated as easy. For a longer, more strenuous hike, continue up 580 stairs to a 60-foot observation tower to view the stunning Upper Catawba Falls. The area has a unique history, with the remains of a hydroelectric facility from the early 1900s. The trail improvements include trail markers, stairs, boardwalks, and an observation tower, making it safer and more accessible for visitors. The upper waterfall was previously only accessible by a steep climb up some rock, but now it can be safely viewed from the observation tower