Outdoor enthusiasts who visit Pinecrest B&B in Asheville NC have a multitude of options for hiking. Here are 3 reasons we love Catawba Falls:
- Catawba Falls is located about 28 miles from our b&b which gives hikers a chance to embrace nature without consuming the entire day. Be back in Asheville in less than 3 hours with time to spare for other great activities
- It’s a favorite winter hike when there is less foliage so the views are even more gorgeous. The leaves in summer provide a canopy of shade to stay cool.
- At 2.7 miles roundtrip, even people of modest fitness levels will feel comfortable.
Head east on I-240 then take I-40 East for 23 miles to Exit 73, Old Fort. Turn right on Catawba River Road before the exit ramp ends. Go 3 miles until the road dead ends in the trailhead parking lot (restroom available.) This is a popular spot so earlier is better than later as the parking lot can fill up.
Catawba Falls is part of Pisgah National Forest, with over 500,000 acres of primarily hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls, and miles of trails. The trail here starts fairly flat and since it follows the Catawba River, the path can be muddy. Wear waterproof or old shoes (we can provide towels for cleaning shoes, just ask!)
There are stone foundations and ruins from buildings used in the early 1900s for generating power for the nearby town. There are several cascading falls along the way and the trail climbs 300 feet along the 1.4-mile hike. Hop across the rocks at Chestnut Creek and soon the lower stretches of a 90-foot towering waterfall will appear. Take a break on the large boulders or grab a dip in the waterfall’s cool flow. Turn around here to retrace your steps back to the parking lot for an out-n-back hike.
Enhancements to the trail opened in May 2024 so hikers can access Upper Falls. Be warned, this section of the trail is mostly stairs, 580 of them to be exact. There are many landings and benches to rest if needed. You’ll be rewarded at the top of Upper Falls. Additionally, take the Ridge Trail down the mountain to rewarded with long range views and no backtracking.
After your hike to Catawba Falls, reward yourself with a stop at Hillman Brewing in Old Fort, just minutes from the trailhead. Their menu offers hearty, scratch-made pub fare perfect for refueling, and their craft beers—brewed on site—pair beautifully with a day spent outdoors. The laid-back vibe, mountain views from the patio, and friendly staff make it a great place to swap trail stories while you enjoy a well-earned pint.
Rest & Recharge in Asheville!
Whether you spend the day chasing waterfalls or conquering mountain trails, Asheville makes the perfect home base for your outdoor adventures. After exploring Catawba Falls and relaxing with a cold beer at Hillman Brewing, return to the comfort of Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast. Our historic inn offers plush rooms, peaceful gardens, and a gourmet breakfast to fuel your next day’s explorations. It’s the ideal place to rest, recharge, and plan your next Blue Ridge adventure.