The Catawba Falls trail on the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest will reopen on Friday after being closed for two years for construction. The popular trail near Old Fort underwent major improvements as crews added retaining walls, boardwalks, staircases and overlooks to improve the trail and visitor safety, according to a news release. “Catawba Falls has been a popular and beloved recreation for decades, and these upgrades will greatly improve the visitor experience,” said James Melonas, forest supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina.
“This work addresses critical safety needs and protects the headwaters of the Catawba River, while increasing accessibility for hikers.” The project is the result of long-term collaborative planning efforts, beginning in 2006 when the U.S.
Forest Service acquired the site from the Foothills Land Conservancy. Between 2010 and 2016, trailhead parking and restrooms were added, and the trail to the lower falls was upgraded including the installation of two bridges. The work completed since 2022 has addressed the dangerous path along the cliff edge between the lower and upper falls.
Many serious injuries and deaths occurred on this route and at the upper falls. “Catawba Falls has been the site of numerous rescues,” said William Kehler, director of Emergency Services for McDowell County. “These improvements will lead to improved safety for not only the citizens and visitors to Catawba Falls, but also the.