Chasing Catawba Falls (and Other Trails Close to Old Fort)
Catawba Falls
Trailhead: 3074 Catawba River Rd (closest to I-40 Exit 73)
This is the hike most people come for, and it’s easy to see why. The trail follows the Catawba River for about a mile and a half, crossing footbridges and passing old stone walls, until you reach Lower Catawba Falls tumbling down the mountain in a long run of cascades.
The trail reopened in May 2024 after a two-year rebuild that added boardwalks, staircases and overlooks. We’re proud that the work was done by Tag Contracting, a small business right here in Old Fort. If you want a longer day, you can turn it into a loop of about 3.5 miles by connecting to the Ridge Trail.
The full Catawba Falls loop trail is open. After Hurricane Helene, the upper viewing platform and the Wildflower Trail are still closed, and repair work will continue through the spring and summer. Take extra care on the trail, follow all posted signs and check the U.S. Forest Service’s Catawba Falls page before you head out.
Local tips: Come early or on a weekday, when the parking lot is calmer. Wear shoes with good grip, since rocks near the water stay slick. And please stay on the trail. The rocks around the falls have hurt a lot of people over the years.
Point Lookout Trail
This trail follows an old piece of US-70 that has been closed to cars since 1982. It runs about 3.75 miles from the Old Fort Picnic Area up to Ridgecrest, climbing roughly 900 to 1,000 feet along the way. Because it’s paved and wide, it works well for walkers, runners and bikers, and it’s open year-round. It’s also part of the Fonta Flora State Trail, which is slowly being pieced together across the region.
Kitsuma Peak Trail
Mountain bikers know this one well. It starts near Ridgecrest and switchbacks up to Kitsuma Peak, where you’ll get views toward Mount Mitchell. From the top, it’s a fast 2.8-mile ride down to the Old Fort Picnic Area. Climb back up Point Lookout and you’ve got a loop of about 10 miles.
Foothills Watershed
Address: 655 Catawba River Rd
This 117-acre property along the Catawba River, about two miles downstream from the falls, mixes mountain bike trails, a taproom and a barbecue kitchen. The dirt jumps, kids’ pump track, river and pond are free to use, and the trails across the river take a paid day pass. Everyone riding or getting in the water needs a signed waiver. Trails open Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., or as early as 7 a.m. if you book online at least 24 hours ahead. Visit Foothills Watershed’s website for passes and bike rentals.
Camp Grier
Address: 985 Camp Grier Rd
You don’t have to be a summer camper to enjoy Camp Grier. Their equestrian center offers guided horseback trail rides for beginners and experienced riders, and families are welcome. They also offer mountain bike lessons and guided rides with certified coaches.
Outdoor events worth planning around
- Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival (early June): live music, a fly-fishing film tour and a family trail quest
- Jerdon Mountain Challenge (July): a 28.5-mile mountain bike ride
- Pisgah Enduro (August): a one-day race hosted at Camp Grier
For dates, times and what’s coming up next, check the Explore Old Fort events calendar. We update it often, so check back before every visit.
Before you go
- Check the Forest Service page for Catawba Falls closures
- Book ahead for Foothills Watershed
- Bring water and snacks; there’s no store at the trailheads
- Grab lunch or a cold drink downtown afterward
