Post-Hurricane Update
HURRICANE RECOVERY UPDATE: Catawba Falls Trail has reopened following Hurricane Helene. While the entire Catawba Falls loop trail is accessible, please note that the upper viewing platform and Wildflower Trail remain closed. Ongoing repairs will continue through spring and summer 2025. Visitors should exercise caution and respect all posted signage. For the most current information, check the US Forest Service page.
A Cascading Gem Minutes from Your Vacation Home
Just 25 miles from downtown Asheville and conveniently located near many Yonder luxury vacation rentals, Catawba Falls offers a breathtaking natural experience that perfectly complements your mountain getaway. This magnificent waterfall system features a series of cascades collectively measuring 100 feet in height.
What makes this natural attraction particularly special for Yonder guests is its accessibility. Many of our premium vacation homes in the Asheville area and Black Mountain provide the perfect basecamp for exploring this stunning natural wonder while returning to luxury accommodations afterward.
Trail Details You Should Know
- Length: 3.5 miles round trip
- Typical Duration: 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 465 feet to the falls
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Amenities: Parking lot and restrooms
- Perfect For: Families, pet owners, and nature photographers
Big thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, which has recently enhanced the hiking experience by adding two new footbridges, eliminating the need to rock-hop across the river. This improvement makes the trail even more accessible for guests of all ages staying at nearby Yonder properties.
Safety First
For your safety, enjoy Catawba Falls’ multi-tiered cascades from the base of the falls only. The rocks around the waterfall are extremely slippery and have unfortunately led to serious injuries and even fatal accidents in the past. Please, please be careful.
What To Expect On Your Adventure
From the parking area, follow the nearly flat trail that was once a historic wagon route connecting Old Fort to Asheville. History buffs will appreciate the stone foundation ruins from the early 1900s, including remnants of a dam built for hydropower generation (please observe these structures from a safe distance).
The trail meanders through beautiful hardwood forest with the soothing sounds of water accompanying you throughout your journey. Upon reaching the falls, you’ll find a relatively flat observation area offering magnificent views of the many small cascades that make up the lower portion of the falls.
As of May 31, 2024, visitors can access the Upper Falls via the new Catawba Falls Ridge Trail featuring 580 hand-built stairs, a 60-foot observation tower, and custom-designed railings inspired by the Blue Ridge mountain skyline.
Planning Your Visit from Your Yonder Home
While this natural attraction is popular, especially during summer weekends, staying at a Yonder vacation rental gives you the flexibility to visit during off-peak hours. For a truly magical experience, consider a fall visit when the surrounding foliage creates a spectacular backdrop of autumn colors.
Getting There from Asheville and your vacation rental.
From downtown Asheville (and many Yonder properties), take I-240 to I-40 East, then take Exit 73 (the second Old Fort exit). Before reaching the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Catawba River Road. After three miles, you’ll arrive at the parking lot.
GPS Coordinates: 35.603858, -82.245154
After your waterfall adventure, return to the comfort and luxury of your Yonder vacation home, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s natural wonders while enjoying premium amenities and mountain views.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-699-2987 or send us a quick message using this link. We’re local and available 7 days a week from 7AM to 9PM. We’d love to help you plan your perfect mountain vacation.
