waterfall

McDowell County Waterfalls

CATAWBA FALLS: A 340-foot cascade, upper falls is a 70-foot plunge. I-40 to exit 73. After exiting, turn left, and go under Interstate. Immediately turn right. At fork, bear left onto Catawba River Road. Road ends after 3 miles. Park on gravel shoulder on left. Trail begins across bridge and to right. Distance: 3 miles round-trip, moderate. Strenuous climb to upper falls.

CRABTREE FALLS: A 60-foot plunge down a wide and even rock face. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 339.5, turn into Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area. If campground is closed, walk is an additional 0.3 miles. Distance 2.5 mile loop, moderate.

HICKORY BRANCH TRAIL FALLS: View of 20-foot falls can be seen from scenic Hickory Branch Trail at US Forest Service's Curtis Creek primitive campground near Old Fort. Approximately 2 miles to campground. Trail head is on edge of field to right of campground. Distance: 4 miles round trip, moderate.

LINVILLE FALLS: Most popular waterfall in Blue Ridge. A spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians." Exit Blue Ridge Parkway spur at milepost 316.3. Trail distance: 1.6 miles round-trip, easy; gorge Trail: 1.4 miles round-trip, strenuous; Plunge Basin Trail: 1 mile round-trip, moderate.

ROARING FORK FALLS: Located in Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest. A 30-foot rush down a narrow, zig-zag slide. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 344.1, exit north onto NC 80. Drive north 2.3 miles, turn left onto FS 472 (South Toe River Road), just before Mt. Mitchell Golf Course. Take first left (after 0.1 miles) at sign indicating Roaring Fork Falls and Busick Work Center. Road dead-ends at work center. Park near gate on right. Distance: 1 mile round-trip, easy.

SETROCK CREEK FALLS: Four distinct levels, totaling 50 feet of falling water. See directions under Roaring Fork Falls to FS 472. FS 472 becomes gravel after 0.8 miles. There are picnic tables on South Toe River at 1.5 miles. Neal's Junction (take right fork) is at 2 miles. Turn right into Black Mountain Campground- over stream on concrete bridge- go left toward Briar Bottom (group campsite). Park in small area on right before gate and begin hiking up gravel road. Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip, easy.

TOM'S CREEK FALLS: 7 miles north of Marion on US 221. Turn left at Huskins Branch Road, just before Woodlawn Motel. Go 1.2 miles and turn right onto FS 469. Park on left near fire gate at 0.2 miles. Trail begins on fire road. Gentle falls in picturesque area, drop in elevation over 100 feet. Approximate height of falls: 100 feet. Distance: 2 miles loop, easy

A number of other waterfalls and natural scenic areas are located throughout the county and the region.

Please call 1-(828)-233-6111 or 1-(828)-652-1103 for more information.