09/26/08
Catawba Falls

Among the best recent news for us waterfallers is the access to Catawba Falls and Upper Catawba Falls on Catawba River. These are two of the most scenic waterfalls in the state and they are located in Pisgah National Forest, but until now the only way to access them was through private property. I had been told several times that anyone trying to pass through this property faced a potential encounter with a gun, so needless to say I decided to stay away and encouraged others to do the same.

In late 2007, I heard news that Foothills Conservancy had secured temporary public access to the waterfalls. They are currently working on permanent access and they can use your help. Visit their website and click on the news section. Scroll down the page to read all the details. Please do what you can to help.

To see the waterfalls, take Exit 73 off I-40 in Old Fort. If coming from the west, you want to turn right on Catawba Falls Road before the end of the ramp. If coming from the east, you'll need to turn left at the end of the ramp, turn right after passing back under I-40, then turn left on Catawba Falls Road. Drive about 3 miles to the end of the road and find a place to park without blocking the gate or any driveways. And don't litter. As Rich Stevenson says, "only pigs litter, and that includes cigarette butts." Amen!

The trail starts behind the gate and follows an old road. Pass through the yard and into the woods and soon come to a crossing of Catawba River. In high water the crossing could be tricky. Continue following the old road and you will pass by a small, scenic waterfall and an old dam. A short distance from the dam you'll come to a confusing junction where Chestnut Branch runs into Catawba River. You want to cross the branch and head up the Catawba to the left. Don't go to the right and follow any paths up Chestnut Branch.

A short distance upstream from the Chestnut Branch crossing you'll come to Catawba Falls. There's a nice view of it from the base. A scramble path leads up the right side to several other views, but be careful here. The waterfall is covered in moss and algae and is extremely slippery. The small water flow and the way the waterfall is broken into small drops makes it look relatively safe. IT'S NOT!

To see Upper Catawba Falls you have to continue on the scramble path alongside Catawba Falls. You'll need both hands free for this one. An old rope may be in place to help you with the steepest portion, but you need to be careful trusting any rope that's left to the weather.

I haven't measured the trail to the waterfalls. I'd guess it's about 1.25 miles to Catawba Falls and maybe a quarter mile from there to the upper falls. Beauty rating for Catawba Falls is at least 7 and for the upper falls 8. A good water flow increases these ratings. Photo ratings are equally as high. In fact, these are among the best for waterfall photography.