ASHEVILLE — As the day approaches for Catawba Falls to spring back into action, the U.S. Forest Service shared details on what to expect for its reopening weekend.
The popular waterfall in the Old Fort area of Pisgah National Forest has been closed for nearly two years for "major improvements," including new retaining walls, boardwalks, staircases and overlooks to "greatly improve the trail and visitor safety," a May 21 news release said.
For those looking to see the new and improved waterfall and trails on opening weekend, the gate will open at 8 a.m. May 31. Since parking is limited, shuttles will run on Friday and Saturday between downtown Old Fort and Catawba Falls.
"The U.S. Forest Service and partner organizations will be onsite from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday to answer questions and celebrate with the community," the release said.
Rangers suggest having an alternate plan if parking areas are full and ask that no one park on private property along Catawba River Road.
Improvements to the area include 580 stairs, three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower to take hikers to the upper falls.
Crews also addressed the path along the cliff edge between the lower and upper falls. "Many serious injuries and deaths" occurred on that route and at the upper falls, the release said.
“Catawba Falls has been the site of numerous rescues,” William Kehler, Director of Emergency Services for McDowell County, said in the release. “These improvements will lead to improved safety for not only the citizens and visitors to Catawba Falls, but also the first responders that are called to perform rescues. These improvements will save lives.”
New trails, possible closures: what to know
The new Catawba Falls Ridge Trail allows hikers at the upper falls to return to the parking lot for a total loop distance of 3.5 miles. The trail to the 80-foot upper falls and back is rated as intermediate due to the number of steps and elevation change. However, the trail to the 205-foot cascading lower falls is still rated as easy, the release said.
Even after the grand reopening, limited construction will continue "as we complete the final components of the project," Lisa Jennings, Recreation Manager for the Grandfather Ranger District, said in the release.
Short-term weekday closures are possible through July while crews finish work on the dam and upper falls viewing area, according to the release.
But the new quarter-mile Wildflower Trail and other alternate routes are available to allow the falls to remain open.
The reopening of Catawba Falls coincides with the Trails and Trains Festival, May 31 through June 1, in Old Fort. For more information, visit www.oldfortfest.com.
Previous reporting:Catawba Falls Trail in Pisgah National Forest to remain closed for another year
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
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