Hike Inn to Catawba Falls

The Catawba Falls trail in Pisgah National Forest, about 35 miles east of Asheville near Old Fort, is one of the best family waterfall hikes in the region. The 3-mile round trip trail follows the Catawba River through dense old-growth forest, crosses the river several times on stepping stones, and ends at a dramatic 100-foot waterfall with a swimming hole at the base.

The river crossings are a feature, not a bug. Kids who might otherwise find a 3-mile hike tedious stay engaged by the challenge of hopping rocks and navigating the crossings. After heavy rain the crossings can be deeper — water shoes or shoes that can get wet are the right footwear choice.

The lower falls (about 0.5 miles from the trailhead) are a good turnaround point for younger kids who need a shorter outing. The upper falls, another 0.5 miles beyond, are more dramatic and involve some minor scrambling — appropriate for kids 7 and up who are comfortable on uneven terrain.

The trail is free, in Pisgah National Forest, and gets genuinely crowded on summer weekends. Arrive before 9AM for parking and a quieter experience. This pairs well with a stop in Old Fort's small downtown or the nearby Old Fort Mountain Museum.