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.

An impressive Soco waterfall in western North Carolina near the town of Cherokee in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Soco Falls

Soco Falls, one of the most scenic double waterfalls in Western North Carolina, has recently reopened to the public, now better than ever following a major renovation project. Tucked away just off Highway 19 between Cherokee and Maggie Valley, this beloved destination now features an expanded and safer visitor experience, complete with new amenities and improved trail access.

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.

Soco Falls featuring dual waterfalls cascading into a rocky creek, surrounded by lush greenery, with the name "Soco Falls" overlaid at the bottom, showcasing one

Waterfalls in Cherokee FAQs

Cherokee, NC is home to two stunning waterfalls: Mingo Falls and Soco Falls. Mingo Falls stands approximately 120 feet tall and is one of the tallest waterfalls in southern Appalachia. Soco Falls is a dramatic double waterfall formed by the convergence of Soco Creek and Brush Creek, both offering free, accessible outdoor experiences in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

Mingo Falls: Located off Big Cove Road, 5 miles from downtown Cherokee; features a ¼-mile trail with 161 steps to a wooden viewing bridge
Soco Falls: Located 11 miles east of Cherokee on US 19 toward Maggie Valley; accessible via a short walk from a roadside pullout to a viewing platform

The trail to Mingo Falls is short but physically demanding. The hike is only ¼ mile long, but it includes 161 steep mountain steps leading to a wooden viewing bridge directly in front of the falls. Most moderately fit visitors can complete the hike, though seniors, children, and people with disabilities should exercise caution and go with a companion.

Steps can become slippery after rainfall — allow extra time and watch your footing
Morning visits are recommended by locals to avoid crowds and to catch the falls in atmospheric morning fog
Recent rainfall makes the falls larger and more dramatic, but also increases trail hazards

Mingo Falls is widely regarded as one of the premier scenic destinations in the Smoky Mountains because of its impressive scale, accessibility, and cultural depth. At roughly 120 feet tall — with water cascading down nearly 200 feet of rock face — it delivers one of the most visually striking waterfall experiences in southern Appalachia.

Beyond its natural beauty, Mingo Falls carries deep Cherokee cultural significance, with legends of water bears and storm spirits tied to the site. It has earned high ratings on TripAdvisor and Yelp from visitors worldwide, and its location just five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it an easy addition to any itinerary.

Soco Falls stands out as one of Western North Carolina’s most scenic double waterfalls, formed by the convergence of two separate streams — Soco Creek and Brush Creek — that plunge approximately 120 feet into a tranquil pool below. Its dual cascade, combined with its cultural significance to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, makes it a destination unlike any other in the region.

Recently renovated with expanded visitor amenities and improved trail access
Located just off Highway 19 between Cherokee and Maggie Valley — easy to reach from both towns
Mist from the falls frequently creates rainbows on sunny days, making it a favorite among photographers

Yes — both Mingo Falls and Soco Falls are free and open to the public, making them among the best no-cost outdoor experiences in Cherokee, NC. Beyond the waterfalls themselves, the surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping to fishing and golf at Sequoyah National Golf Club.

Camping: Mingo Falls Campground sits near the trailhead, offering easy access for overnight visitors
Lodging: Downtown Cherokee offers hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals within a short drive of both falls
Day trips: Cherokee’s waterfalls are easily reachable from Asheville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greenville, making them ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway

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.

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