While this 80-foot waterfall in Pisgah National Forest is easy to get to, it's hidden away along a one-lane, unpaved forest service road. Cathey's Creek Falls cascades down a rock slope in a lush cove, making for a beautiful setting. The 1/4-mile hike down the narrow trail is steep and can be very slippery when wet. Due to the thick forest, you are not able to see the waterfall from the road (but usually you can hear it), and there are no signs to mark the spot.
Since you'll be in the Land of the Waterfalls, this is a great "bonus" waterfall you can quickly reach while visiting others. You'll pass several campsites as you drive in.
Nearby Waterfalls
On the other side of Brevard (toward Asheville), see several waterfalls in the Looking Glass Falls area. Or continue west on U.S. Highway 64 to reach Rainbow Falls and Whitewater Falls.
Directions
From downtown Brevard, head west on U.S. Highway 64 for three miles and turn right on Cathey's Creek Road (look for a "Kuykendall Camp" sign). As soon as you turn, the road forks sharply to the left and becomes unpaved in about a half mile. From U.S. 64, be sure to measure 3.2 miles on your odometer to find the one car pull off on right side of the one lane gravel road (just after you drive under some power lines). After a mile from US 64, you will pass a water treatment plant for the city of Brevard. Just after, you will see the "Forest Service Road 471" sign that marks the entrance to the national forest. At the pull off, you'll see the trail to the right that goes steeply downhill and you can hear the waterfall.
There are many other great hikes and waterfalls nearby. If you like driving through the forest (car hiking!), continue on one-laned, unpaved FR475B for four miles to see two waterfalls on Log Hollow Branch. Then drive for another 1.5 miles to reach US 276 again. Turn right on US 276 to drive by Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock and return to Brevard. Turn left on US 276 to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cathey's Creek Falls on a summer day
Brevard
Picturesque Main Street has many local shops, restaurants, galleries, brewery, museums and favorite O.P. Taylor toy store. Big events include the White Squirrel Festival, 4th of July celebration,… read more
Picturesque Main Street has many local shops, restaurants, galleries, brewery, museums and favorite O.P. Taylor toy store. Big events include the White Squirrel Festival, 4th of July celebration, Brevard Music Festival and Halloweenfest. This is the Land of the Waterfalls with hiking, biking and famous Sliding Rock.
Brevard Adventure Guide
Order your free 48-page Adventure Guide for Brevard and Transylvania County, Land of the Waterfalls, with scenic drives, hikes, waterfall map, festivals, art, museums and picturesque Main Street… read more
Order your free 48-page Adventure Guide for Brevard and Transylvania County, Land of the Waterfalls, with scenic drives, hikes, waterfall map, festivals, art, museums and picturesque Main Street.
Brevard Places to Stay
Find cabins of all sizes, hotels, B&Bs and luxury inns in the Brevard area from their official visitor center. It's the Land of Waterfalls. Includes Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State… read more
Find cabins of all sizes, hotels, B&Bs and luxury inns in the Brevard area from their official visitor center. It's the Land of Waterfalls. Includes Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest.
Restaurants in Brevard
Find a variety of places to eat and drink in Brevard including upscale dining casual eateries, pubs, food trucks, bakeries, coffee shops, and more!
Find a variety of places to eat and drink in Brevard including upscale dining casual eateries, pubs, food trucks, bakeries, coffee shops, and more!
