Hikers on the 2nd segment of our Valley History Explorer Hiking Series will explore an old Cherokee pathway that hugs the banks of the Catawba River and ends at the base of beautiful Catawba Falls. The 2.5-mile, out-and-back hike is moderate and flush with history, which our guides will share along the way.

Visitors have been exploring the falls for centuries – a UNC student in 1889 wrote – “Our Monday’s excursion to Catawba Falls, six miles off, was rather a failure, for we lost our way through the misdirection of our guide. Finally, becoming disgusted, we retraced our steps and dined at a store at the east end of the Swannanoa tunnel….we set out [again] next morning, following the fountain pipe, for Catawba Falls, which we reached this time without difficulty. On every side the forest was thick with the white and pink ivy, which was now in full blossom, mingled with the white laurel and the superb azalea — white, scarlet and brilliant orange.”

Difficulty: Moderate, 2.5 miles

Cost: $25 members, $35 nonmembers

Note: This hike is part of a series, which is at capacity. Hikers who wish to register for individual hikes may add their name to the waitlist by sending an email to info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org. Additional spaces for individual hikers on the waitlist may open up if a full series hiker cancels their registration.