Waterfalls in Cherokee
They make relaxation tapes that sound like our waterfalls. Little wonder.
All you need is the lullaby of falling waters from the river boulders above to fill you with a vast sense of peace. It’s true; there is nothing quite like the powerful drug of a waterfall to put everything in its place again. Through its thundering tumult, you can almost see the water bears bounding through the spray into an ancient dream.
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls will hold your attention for hours. So bring a picnic, recline on the rocks, and bask in the iridescent spray. Your friends will certainly be impressed by the pictures, yet even more so if you can recount a good Cherokee legend to go along with them. Will it be the water bears or the storm spirits? You can imagine the Aniyvdaqualosgi up in the sky above the falls as you listen to the thundering of the water. Just try to be grumpy here; you’ll find it’s just about impossible.
A Top Rated Destination in the Smoky Mountains
Mingo Falls is one of the most beloved destinations in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Open every day and free to the public, Mingo Falls is popular with people from every area of the United States. Planning a weekend getaway or week-long vacation? Looking to take a day trip from Atlanta, Asheville, Knoxville, Greenville, Charlotte, or another nearby metropolitan area? Make sure you put Mingo Falls on your itinerary. This waterfall is not only a local favorite but has been given high ratings by visitors from around the world on TripAdvisor.com and Yelp.com. Located off of Big Cove Road just five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mingo Falls is easily accessible from downtown Cherokee and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Be Careful on the Mingo Falls Trail of 161 Mountain Steps
Mingo Falls is approximately 120 feet tall and one of the tallest waterfalls in southern Appalachia. The waterfall majestically cascades down nearly 200 feet of rock face and boulders. The trail to see the falls is short, but intense. The hike is a ¼ mile and includes 161 steep steps to a picturesque wooden viewing bridge that crosses Mingo Creek directly in front of the falls. Cherokee residents enjoy the falls as much as out-of-town visitors. Many locals recommend going in the morning to avoid the crowds and for the best chance to see Mingo Falls in the morning fog. The steps can be slippery if it has recently rained so take your time, and don’t rush the hike. Of course, if it has recently rained you can expect the falls to be even larger and more exciting than usual. Seniors, children, and people with disabilities should be very careful when climbing the stairs and should be accompanied by friends or family.
Directions: From the Saunooke Village shopping area in downtown Cherokee, drive north on Big Cove Road approximately 5 miles (past the KOA Campground) to the Mingo Falls parking lot.
Soco Falls
Find your bliss at another soul-stirring destination: the dramatic Soco Falls. Get your feet wet and remember the stories about the Yunwi Tsunsdi, the small spirit folk who sometimes help humans find their ways in ancient Cherokee stories. They’ll help you find your way here and back if you let them, with a head filled with new stories of your own and the glistening memories of nature at its most picturesque.
Majestic Beauty and Cultural Significance in Cherokee, NC
The cascading water, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, creates a picturesque scene that attracts visitors throughout the year. Soco Falls holds cultural significance for the Cherokee people, residing within the ancestral lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, adding to its historical and cultural importance.
Easy Access to Natural Splendor
Soco Falls, nestled in Cherokee, North Carolina, is a captivating natural wonder formed by the convergence of two streams, Soco Creek and Brush Creek, which plummet approximately 120 feet into a serene pool below. Despite its remote location, accessibility is facilitated by a brief hike from the parking area to the viewing platform, though caution is advised due to potentially slippery terrain, especially following rainfall. Photography enthusiasts find ample opportunities to capture the waterfall’s beauty, with mist often generating rainbows on sunny days, enriching the scene’s charm.
Directions: 11 miles east of Cherokee on US 19 towards Maggie Valley you’ll find Soco Falls on your right. There’s a small unmarked pullout and a short walk leads you to a viewing platform for Soco Falls and another smaller falls. Coming from Maggie Valley, it’s 1.5 miles west from the Blue Ridge Parkway and will be on your left.
Staying Overnight?
Find Campgrounds and Affordable Lodging Options near Mingo and Soco Falls.
Travelers and families can choose to stay in downtown Cherokee at a hotel or a motel or visit one of the many local area campgrounds. The falls are a quick drive from downtown Cherokee and just a short distance from the Mingo Falls Campground, an important landmark for finding the falls. Pitch a tent or bring your camper and have easy access to the Mingo Falls Trail. Cherokee, NC is home to a wide variety of lodging options. Find the accommodations that best suit your individual needs and then enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee culture. Explore our website to learn more about lodging in Cherokee.
