Catawba Falls, Old Fort, North Carolina

May 16, 2013 Thu0
This is an easy hike from the parking area. Years ago access to the falls was on private land but that has changed and there is a nice parking area with restrooms. When we were there the bridge across the creek was closed but I am sure that will be temporary. Park on the side of the road away from the house.
May 16, 2013 Thu 11:36:00 AM EDT Altitude: 1942 ft Camera: Nikon D3100Display on Google Map
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
Bobby

Much of the trail follows an old logging road. There are interesting structures along the way. Don't miss the building that housed the hydro electric generator and the dam that provided the water for the generator. We hiked from the parking area to the falls in about 30 minutes. Round trip is about 3 miles. At one point the trail seems to be going up hill away from the stream. Don't worry you are getting close. Cross Clover Patch Branch and you will soon be at the falls.

There are also several Geocaches along the way if you are into that sport.

I remember two stream crossings but the streams were not deep when we visited. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet or just take a towel and cross the stream bare footed. They are not wide or deep. We were able to cross on rocks and kept our shoes dry.

There is an Upper Catawba Falls but I have not been there as I was told the trail gets much more difficult. The trail to the lower Catawba Falls is fairly easy.

The parking area is at the end of Catawba River Road. From I-40, get off at exit 73. If going east on I-40 you turn off on Catawba River Road part way down the exit ramp. If going west on I-40, exit and go under the overpass then turn right onto what looks like the exit ramp for east bound traffic on I-40. It is, but the exit ramp has two way traffic for a short distance. Turn onto Catawba River Road and drive to the end of the road.

May 16, 2013 Thu 12:35:35 PM EDT
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
May 16, 2013 Thu 12:42:54 PM EDT
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
May 16, 2013 Thu 11:50:15 AM EDT Altitude: 1940 ft Camera: Nikon D5100Display on Google Map
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
May 16, 2013 Thu 11:50:24 AM EDT Altitude: 1940 ft Camera: Nikon D3100Display on Google Map
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
Bobby
May 16, 2013 Thu 11:58:37 AM EDT Altitude: 1940 ft Camera: Nikon D3100Display on Google Map
Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
Bobby
May 16, 2013 Thu 1:16:37 PM EDT Altitude: 1683 ft Camera: Nikon D5100Display on Google Map
Power House from the early 1900s near Catawba Falls, Old Fort, NC.
Laurie



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