Waterfalls:

Catawba Falls - The headwaters of the Catawba River are nestled deep in the Pisgah National Forest, high atop the eastern continental divide, just outside the historic town of Old Fort. From those headwaters, the Catawba rushes down the side of Ellison Ridge toward the foothills, creating one of McDowell CountyÕs most spectacular natural scenic areas.

Crabtree Falls - A 60 foot plunge down a wide and even rock face. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop at Milepost 339.5 turn onto Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area. If campground is closed, walk an additional 0.3 miles. Distance around falls is a 2.5 mile loop and is a moderate hike.

Duggers Creek Falls - The smallest falls along the Blue Ridge. This is a smaller version of Linville Gorge, the creek flows through a narrow chute as it enters a tiny canyon spilling over a ten foot ledge. A loop trail is an interpretive walk with inspirational quotes from nature writers. Located at Linville Falls Recreation Area, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.3. Distance: 0.3 mile loop, easy hike.

Hickory Branch Trail Falls - Offers a beautiful view of 20 foot falls from the scenic Hickory Branch Trail at US Forest Service's Curtis Creek campground near Old Fort. Approximately 2 miles east of Old Fort on US 70, turn onto Curtis Creek Road, go 4 miles to campground. Trailhead is on edge of field to right of campground. Distance: 4 miles round trip, moderate hike.

Linville Falls - The most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge. A spectacular three tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians."Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.3 Falls Trail distance: 1.6 miles round trip, easy hike; from Gorge Trail 1.4 miles round trip and a strenuous hike, from Plunge Basin Trail a one mile round trip moderate hike.

Roaring Fork Falls is located in the Toecane District of the Pisgah National Forest. A 30 foot rushing, narrow, zig-zag slide. Located off Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 344.1, exit north onto NC 80. Drive north 2.3 miles, turning left on Forest Service Road 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 for this easy hike is one mile round trip.

Setrock Creek Falls - Four distinct levels, totaling 50 feet of falling water. See directions under Roaring Fork Falls to Forest Service Road 472. Forest Service Road 472 becomes gravel after 0.8 miles. There are picnic tables on South Toe River at 1.5 miles. NealÕs 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 is an easy hike at 1.4 miles round trip.

Tom's Creek Falls - A gentle falls in picturesque surroundings. Located 7 miles north of Marion off US 221. Turn left at Huskins Branch Road, just before the Woodlawn Motel. Go approximately 1.5 .miles. Park on right at gravel lot before small bridge. Trailhead begins at lot. When trail forks, follow left along creek to falls. Approximate height of falls is 100 feet with a round trip distance of 2 miles for an easy hike.

A number of other waterfalls and scenic areas are located throughout the region. Call us for information: 888-233-6111.