Discovering Catawba Falls: A Weekend Getaway
A few weekends ago I took a getaway trip to North Carolina. The last time I stepped foot in the Tar Heel state was in 2021 to celebrate a college friend's wedding not far from Charlotte. At that time, I didn't have the opportunity to truly experience what North Caroloina had to offer. Where I was mentally and spirtually 5 years ago to where I am now, I'm on a totally different path. For the better no doubt. 2026 has been a year of open doors, taking risks, trusting in God's truth while experiencing new and exciting things that are out of my comfort zone. So, mid July I packed a weekend bag, grabbed my camera and was North Carolina bound.
Discovering Catawba Falls
I knew NC was known for amazing trails and awesome waterfalls so I did some research on spots I thought about seeing during my visit. A major tool I use when it comes to searching trailheads is an app called AllTrails. You can find tons of trails with reviews, photos, and up to date statuses on the condition of the trails. In my search I came across Catawba Falls Trailhead (kuh-tah-buh). The trail itself is located in the Pisgah National Forest in Old Fort, North Carolina. From the reviews and pictures I saw, I knew this was a spot I needed to see with my own eyes. I was lodged just outside of Asheville, NC and Catawba Falls was less than an hour drive away to make a quick afternoon hike.
Catawba Falls Trail Map Leading to boardwalk - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell
The Hike
When arriving to the trailhead I was shocked to see how many people where there which told me this place was worth seeing. As soon as you start the trail there is a covered billboard sign showcasing a topography map of the entire trail with mile markers and viewpoints. The trail is roughly a 3.5 mile loop. With my camera in hand I started my way up the trail. I was really pleased with how clean the entire trail was. Walking along the river trail I could hear the water and the sounds of the forest. So, before I even made my way to the lower falls I managed to find a moment to myself and take a few pictures of a flowing stream.
Observation Tower
As I finished photographed the running stream I continued up the trail reaching the lower falls portion. When you reach this section you are greeted with the beautiful lower falls and beside it a 580 staircase that leads to the observation tower. Before I headed up the stairs I took in the surroundings; the people, sounds, smell, it all was truly a wonderful experience.
Family picnic with the perfect view of the lower waterfall - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell Someone calling their mom? - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell Long exposure of a small fall - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell At the midway point of the staircase going up the lower falls - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell A quick action shot of the water from the viewpoint of the staircase - photo taken by Jacob Stillwel Overlook of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the observation tower - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell Near the top of the lower falls - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell A couple sitting on a rock near the river trail - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell A look at the start of the staircase - photo taken by Jacob Stillwell
Conclusion
A weekend trip to North Carolina with a general idea of what I wanted to experience but with no real itinerary lead me to witnessing Catawba Falls. I can already tell North Carolina is stealing my nature loving heart. I'm already looking forward to my next visit there soon. If you ever find yourself in this beautiful state I would highly recommend you stop by and give Catawba Falls a vist. The parking is free, there are restrooms before you start the trail and for those who have four legged friends, it's pet friendly. My biggest recommendation is to make sure you have plenty of water.
If you've made it this far in the blog, thank you. I hope this was a fun read to learn about a place that I really enjoyed witnessing and a state I'm falling in love with.
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please click the "Subscribe" button below, which will take you to our subscription page.
Comments