An Autumn Stroll to the Spectacular Lower Catawba Falls

I have been exploring the beautiful nature surrounding Asheville since moving here. The prime benefit of living in this area to me is not the foodie scene, but the close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hundreds of stunning waterfalls. My favorite time to check out these falls is during the colorful fall season. North Carolina is one of the best states in the Southeast for leaf peeping and the forest trails are alive each season with vivid colors. Asheville is a wonderful base for nature lovers looking to explore this beautiful region of the country.

Lower Catawba Falls, a breathtaking 100 foot multi-tiered stunner, is one of numerous easily accessible waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Region of North Carolina. The trailhead is just 30 minutes from the city, making it the closest major waterfall, and thus, also one of the most heavily visited.

Access to this waterfall was closed to the public for years as it was under private ownership. Fortunately, a land conservancy bought the land and the trail recently reopened with the addition of a few new creek crossing bridges, making the trek even more convenient and hiker friendly.

This trail is located within the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, just off I-40 in Old Fort, NC. Despite the heavy traffic, this is one amazing waterfall worth putting up with the extra foot traffic. The hike is relatively easy considering the huge payout in the end. The trail remains surprisingly peaceful as the traffic tends to congregate near the spectacular ending viewpoint. The woodsy scenery and lovely fall foliage easily earn this a spot on my must-hike list.

The trek is just over a mile each way. There is little elevation gain, although several sections involve a small, gradual climb. It’s not too difficult and I’ve hiked much harder trails that weren’t half as scenic. Asides from one small creek crossing where you will need to make your way across slippery rocks, the rest of the trail is pretty straight forward along a wide path. You will see many families, casual hikers, and dog walkers out enjoying the beautiful brisk fall weather.

Along the way, you are treated to beautiful views of the Catawba river, small streams and waterfalls, and the beautiful lush forest. I love that you don’t have to wait until the end to enjoy the natural beauty – it’s all around you. Despite the heavy traffic this trail sees, it’s still easy to get lost in the natural surroundings. This section of the Pisgah Forest feels quite isolated. No matter which trail I hike in this area, I always get a much needed break from our modern world.

A leaf peeping hotspot

Listening to the creek flowing while crunching on leaves and enjoying the bright foliage is one of my favorite things to do during the autumn season. I love hiking, being out in the fresh cool air, and seeing gorgeous color livening up the forest.

This is the perfect region of the country for enjoying the outdoors in autumn, and thankfully, the season is really long. The best place to see a lot of color is in the mountains in the western portion of the state. Asheville is such a great base as you can easily drive to the Parkway and all the wonderful trails in the Pisgah.

The 2018 foliage was a bit dismal. That being said, this is still one of the better places to enjoy the vibrant colors of the season. Plus, even if you don’t see much foliage, seeing the waterfall alone makes this trail worthy of the drive. A few pics from this year’s display…

As of right now there is no easily accessible trail to view the 50 foot tall, free falling Upper Catawba falls, although efforts are currently under way to create a safe trail. As it now stands, the 1/2 mile strenuous climb to the Upper Falls is considered very risky. Those not skilled at climbing rocks and navigating mountainous terrain should opt out. According to the forest, numerous hikers have died attempting to make their way up the treacherous non-maintained trail.

As the views are quite outstanding from the Lower Falls, with the added bonus of a nice flat area for observing and taking photos, it’s best to simply enjoy these views for now until a safer trail to the Upper Falls is in place.

Update: A new 3.5 mile loop to the Upper Falls opened in 2024. There are 580 steps so you legs will definitely get in a workout. On the plus side, it’s a much safer alternative!

Tips for a great hike

Plan about an hour and a half for the round-trip hike, plus extra time for taking photos.

Arrive early in the morning, preferably during the week if you want to enjoy crowd-free photo opportunities.

A tripod is a must to obtain smooth water photos. Early in the morning or at dusk is the best time for waterfall photography. Overcast days are always better for taking photos.

Pack a water bottle and a few snacks.

Wear hiking shoes and proper workout gear. Crossing the rocks across the creek can be a bit slippery, so shoes with great traction are a must. Muddy conditions are oftentimes the case following a storm.

Eat breakfast in Asheville before your hike. I really like Biscuit Head and All Day Darling for a quick meal. The drive, combined with an hour and a half hike, can add up to lots of time and there really are not a lot of restaurants in the immediate area.

The best time to view a waterfall is after a heavy rainstorm. September-November is generally the best time, both weather-wise and in terms of water flow. Winter also offers a different, yet quite mesmerizing frozen view of the falls. At this time of the year, you will enjoy most of the trail to yourself!

Directions & parking

The trailhead is located at: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. Plan about a half hour of driving time if coming from Asheville. 

Fortunately, there is a large parking lot here compared to many nearby trails where you have to park on the road. It’s free of charge too! Public restrooms are available. No drinking water, so please bring your own water bottles! Dog friendly (leashed).

If you are looking for more to do in the area, take a look at my WNC tourist travel guide. There really is so much to do in this area for outdoor lovers, foodies, and art lovers. It’s such a diverse area offering so much for everyone.