After two years of renovations, Catawba Falls near Old Fort will reopen to the public on Friday, May 31.
On Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced that the popular destination for hikers and tourists will have a public reopening celebration on Friday, May 31.
“Save the date! The U.S. Forest Service is excited to welcome everyone back to Catawba Falls with a public reopening celebration on May 31, 2024,” reads the online announcement. “A new adventure awaits. Come rediscover Catawba Falls in Old Fort this summer!”
The public is told to visit www.g5trailcollective.org/catawbafalls and subscribe to Catawba Falls updates.
In January, the McDowell County Board of Commissioners heard a report from Grandfather District Ranger Nicholas Larson, who gave them an update on activities with the U.S. Forest Service in McDowell. Larson thanked the commissioners for their support for the opening of new trails near Old Fort.
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He said in January the long-awaited improvements to the trails leading to Catawba Falls near Old Fort should be completed later this year. Larson said the falls were originally supposed to reopen by this winter but it was delayed due to funding issues.
“We really appreciate people’s patience and longer than we anticipated closure for that opportunity to really give folks a solid experience,” he said in January.
On Thursday, Lisa Jennings, recreation manager for the U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District, told The McDowell News that more details about the reopening will be released soon. She said a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held as part of the reopening.
“It’s phenomenal the work they have done there,” said Steve Pierce, president of the McDowell Trails Association.