Catawba Falls Group Hike

October 30, 2026

Just east of Asheville is the spectacular Catawba Falls, situated at the headwaters of the Catawba River. This hike starts on a wide, well-graded trail along the Catawba River to Lower Catawba Falls. You'll then climb the observation tower (580 stairs in total!) to see a spectacular east-facing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then continue to Upper Catawba Falls, which was off limits to hikers until 2024. This hike is about 3.5 miles round trip, overall moderate (but not technical). It's a great way to see both sweeping mountain views and waterfalls... it's a beautiful hike year round!

This is an ideal tour for solo travelers or small groups, folks visiting Asheville without a vehicle, or hikers who want an easy way to see one of Western NC's most popular waterfalls.

Cost:

$120 per person

Cost includes a guided half day hike, snacks, and transportation between Asheville and the trailhead. This hike requires 2 participants to operate; maximum group size is 6 hikers. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll reach out to the registered participant 48 hours before the trip to discuss options.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select your trip date. 

Itinerary:

This small group hike meets in downtown Asheville at 8:30am. The guide will review the hike and you'll head to the trailhead (drive time is about 35 minutes). The hike is 3.5 mile round trip on wide, well-graded trails along the Catawba River. This hike visits both Lower Catawba Falls and Upper Catawba Falls. We consider this hike easy-moderate - the trails are easy and non-technical, with a total of 580 stairs to climb between the two falls. The observation tower provides sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This area has a wide diversity of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and stunning foliage colors in the fall.

Snacks and transportation are included in the trip cost. Total time is approximately 3.5-4 hours, returning to Asheville in time to grab lunch from one of our many fantastic restaurants! Trekking poles, bottled water, and/or a daypack can be provided to hikers upon request, at no additional charge.

Hikers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions and pack a rain jacket, an extra warm layer, and water. In the event of severe or dangerous weather conditions, your hike may be canceled/rescheduled. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing a camera to capture the magnificent waterfalls.

Guides:

Lindsey Barr
Lindsey grew up in central North Carolina, where they developed a love for science and the outdoors. In 2012, Lindsey left their aerospace engineering career behind to follow her dream of helping introduce others to the outdoors in a welcoming and empowering way and has worked both as a guide and in outdoor retail. When they aren't at work, you can find them exploring area trails and waterways by bike or canoe, enjoying Asheville's thriving live music scene, or in their art studio.

Melissa "SassyFrass" Gibson
Mel has spent the last 5 guide seasons in WNC leading folks to find their own “happy home” in the mountains.  Her hiking philosophy is rooted in sylvan therapy and the belief that the woods heal us, especially when we stop to savor the moment.  This trail tested grandma of three brings a steady pace and a wealth of experience adventuring in the US and 23 countries around the world. Her knack for making trailside snacking a moveable feast is renowned!

Amy "Slider" Hunsucker
Born and raised in South Carolina, Amy grew up hiking in the Carolinas. Her love for backpacking started on the Appalachian Trail with her first overnight trip in 2012. Since then, she has thru hiked all of the triple crown trails - Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail - along with other trails throughout the US, totaling over 8,000 miles of backpacking. Her trail name, Slider, comes from her background in music and because she is known to take her trombone out on the trail with her.

Bev MacDowell
Hike with a contemporary! Bev has been a hiking/backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 15 years.  She is an AT Trail Maintainer/Max Patch section, she has completed Educator Outward Bound, and hiked 200 miles of the Spanish Camino del Santiago. Bev ia a completer of the local South Beyond 6000' Mountain Climbs (40) and Lookout Tower (22) Challenges. She feels most alive when she is active in the WNC forests. She loves introducing others to these old mountains!

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 1 week before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather or having not met the trip minimum.

If your guide does an outstanding job, please show your appreciation with a tip! Our team of well trained, professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity is 20-25% of the trip cost.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.