This Under Construction North Carolina Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback

A trail reopening in North Carolina will soon resume attracting tourists from near and far for the long-awaited improvements. The Catawba Falls Trail near Old Fort — in the enchanted Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest — has been closed for major renovations since May 2022. Upgrades will create safe access to the magical Upper Catawba Falls and were extended through spring 2024, hopefully to open by the end of May.

The Catawba Falls upgrades are part of the larger Old Fort Trails Project to bring many trail improvements to this area of Pisgah National Forest.

The project was comprised of three phases: Phase I focused on improving access through the boulder field below the lower falls and starting construction of the staircase to the upper falls.

The scope of work includes the completion of more than 1,000 feet of elevated boardwalk and stairs, including three overlook platforms.

A 60-foot stair tower was installed at the base of the rock cliff. This photo of March 28, 2023, shows the progress on Phase I.

The second phase of construction connected the tower to a series of stairs and boardwalks.

This critical piece will end in a natural-surface trail as the topography evens out above the cliffs surrounding lower Catawba Falls.

Phase III improves the natural surface trail to an overlook at the base of the upper falls.

It loops back to the parking lot along a new trail on the south side of the Catawba River.

Since the site became part of the Pisgah National Forest, some improvements include trail bridges, restrooms, and parking.

Major renovations to the Catawba Falls Trail are part of a long-term plan that began in 2006 when the U.S. Forest Service acquired the site from the Foothills Land Conservancy.

The much-anticipated reopening will happen and we'll be back here before we know it, snapping memorable photographs.

So please wait until then to go on the trail as violations of the closure can result in fines of up to $5,000.

The trail reopening in North Carolina is great news for hikers and fans of the lovely waterfalls. Discover more on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service website.

Find out about some other waterfall hikes in North Carolina. And you may enjoy the book "Hiking Waterfalls North Carolina: A Guide To The State's Best Waterfall Hikes."