Catawba Falls, Davidsons Fort, Mountain Gateway Museum, and Carson House

​The plan today was a short hike and visit a very old fort.  Well that expanded out to a bit more than just those.

We drove to a small town called Old Fort. The museum did not open till 2pm so we drove to the Davidson Fort.  It is a simple fort constructed in 1770.  The fort was used to protect against Indian attack and was used during the Revolutionary War.

​​After touring the fort, we drove on to hike to Catawba Falls. It is a 3 mile moderate hike to reach the bottom of the fall.  We had lunch and rested for a while. The last bit of the trail is a near vertical climb to reach the above of the falls.  I am not kidding it was just about nearly vertical and at two points there are ropes attached to climb up the cliff.  I stopped at that point thinking I was getting pretty good pictures where I was and climbing the rest was unnecessary. Besides I did not want to break my neck.

The river had been the source of electrical power for Old Fort and along the climb we passed the old generator building and further up the dam.  Originally water was funneled down from the dam through wood pipes to the generator below. 

​Next was the Mountain Gateway Museum. It was really nice.  Being Sunday the local Folk and Mountain Music group was playing in one room. It was great!

​Last we stopped to tour the Carson House.  It is a guided tour through the three story home built in 1793. Unlike many museums we literally walked through and round the furniture.  There were no ropes or barriers. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable about every item and the rooms along with its history. Items from the late 1700’s through the late 1800's were on display. The home had rooms that were used for the first county court in the area, It was also a stage coach stop and a boarding house.