Catawba Falls
Encyclopedia
Catawba Falls is a series of waterfalls on the headwaters of the Catawba River
, in McDowell County
, near Old Fort, North Carolina
.
flows over 2 major waterfalls in a short distance. The first drop, called Upper Catawba Falls, consists of an upper free-fall drop, while the second drop a short distance downstream, often called just Catawba Falls, is a higher series of free-falls and cascades.
. For many years, while the falls were located on public land, visitor access to the falls was heavily restricted. The only access points to the falls were a trail that went through private property, and an access point off of Interstate 40
. Use of either access point was illegal.
In 2005 and 2007, purchases were made by the Forest Service of 88 acres (356,123.7 m²) of land near the trailhead. In 2010, access to the falls was officially opened to the public. The Forest Service plans further improvements, including a larger parking area and a foot bridge over a tricky crossing of the river along the trail.
at Exit 73 (Old Fort). The easy-to-moderate trail leads to the base of Catawba Falls and then climbs steeply to the base of Upper Catawba Falls. The trail along the way features other, smaller waterfalls. Visitors should stick to the trails, as going off-trail is very, very dangerous.
Catawba River
The Catawba River is a tributary of the Wateree River in the U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The river is approximately 220 miles long...
, in McDowell County
McDowell County, North Carolina
-Cities and towns:*Marion *Old Fort-Unincorporated places:*West Marion*Little Switzerland*Nebo*Glenwood*Pleasant Gardens*North Cove-Education:The following is a list of schools located in McDowell County:*Marion Elementary School...
, near Old Fort, North Carolina
Old Fort, North Carolina
Old Fort is a town in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 959 at the 2008 estimated census. The town is well known for its weekly Mountain Music concerts, attracting large audiences and many musicians from the surrounding areas to Old Fort's downtown each Friday at...
.
Geology
The Catawba RiverCatawba River
The Catawba River is a tributary of the Wateree River in the U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The river is approximately 220 miles long...
flows over 2 major waterfalls in a short distance. The first drop, called Upper Catawba Falls, consists of an upper free-fall drop, while the second drop a short distance downstream, often called just Catawba Falls, is a higher series of free-falls and cascades.
History
Catawba Falls is part of the Pisgah National ForestPisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest is a National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. It is administered by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Pisgah National Forest is completely contained within the state of North Carolina...
. For many years, while the falls were located on public land, visitor access to the falls was heavily restricted. The only access points to the falls were a trail that went through private property, and an access point off of Interstate 40
Interstate 40
Interstate 40 is the third-longest major east–west Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90 and I-80. Its western end is at Interstate 15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina...
. Use of either access point was illegal.
In 2005 and 2007, purchases were made by the Forest Service of 88 acres (356,123.7 m²) of land near the trailhead. In 2010, access to the falls was officially opened to the public. The Forest Service plans further improvements, including a larger parking area and a foot bridge over a tricky crossing of the river along the trail.
Visiting the Falls
The trail to both falls is accessible from the parking area at the end of Catawba Falls road, just off of Interstate 40Interstate 40
Interstate 40 is the third-longest major east–west Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90 and I-80. Its western end is at Interstate 15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina...
at Exit 73 (Old Fort). The easy-to-moderate trail leads to the base of Catawba Falls and then climbs steeply to the base of Upper Catawba Falls. The trail along the way features other, smaller waterfalls. Visitors should stick to the trails, as going off-trail is very, very dangerous.