Located just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mingo Falls is in the Qualla Boundary, a land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which requires no special permits to access to the area. Nearly 200’ feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, but is straight up a 160 step staircase. There is a ton of significant history surrounding this waterfall which the Cherokee endearingly call, Big Bear Falls.

Mingo Falls Trail | 0.4 Miles

Mingo Falls Trail Map | Alltrails

Mingo Falls Location | Google Maps

 
Approximate route of Mingo Falls Trail via Gaia App.

Getting There

If you’re planning on paying a visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then Mingo Falls is a destination you should definitely put on your itinerary. A scenic 1 hour drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this waterfall is located on the North Carolina side of the park just outside the town of Cherokee. From Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south (toward Cherokee) on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. At the first stop sign turn left and drive 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins. It is common for some GPS directions take visitors the wrong way as you get  near Mingo Falls so there are signs posted near the waterfall to let you know you should turn around.

 
Trailhead for Mingo Falls has enough space for a few cars.

It is approximately 160-steps straight up the valley of Mingo Creek to reach the base of the falls.

Mingo Falls Trailhead (0.40 miles)

Once you arrive at the small trailhead, the first thing you will notice is the tall staircase. The 160-steps leading up to the falls is so long that it curves out of sight for its final stretch. While this is a short 0.40 mile walk, instead of a hike, the ascent is quite strenuous and should be taken at a moderate pace. The entire path follows along the ravine carved out by Mingo Creek. Flowing year round, this narrow valley is engulfed in a light mist, leading to lush and dense foliage clinging to the side of granite boulders covered in moss. Even during our fall visit, the surrounding hillsides were bright green from the crowded stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel. All of this is typical from what you might expect to see in the Smoky Mountains.

 
On our visit there was a downed tree blocking the trail.

“Big Bear Falls” in the Cherokee Language 

Named Mingo Falls by early loggers whom were reminded of a waterfall in their home state of West Virginia, this waterfall has been known as Big Bear Falls by the Cherokee People for centuries. According to popular legend, Big Bear Falls stands at one of the original entrances of the ancestral Cherokee Nation. Warriors headed south on raiding parties would follow a hidden trail that passed directly in front of this waterfall on their way down from the heights of the Smoky Mountains. Often times Mingo Falls’ splendor and natural beauty was used as a distraction to lure unsuspecting victims into a trap where they were robbed and even murdered. 

 
Viewing bridge at the end of the Mingo Falls Trail. This is the closest you can currently get to the falls

At almost 200 ft tall this is one of the more majestic waterfalls in North Carolina, only a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mingo Falls (200’ ft)

At the very top of the staircase, there is a series of small benches for people to sit down and catch their breath. Here, the rest of the trail turns to dirt as you must maneuver over boulders and tree roots for the rest of the journey. On this visit, our path was partially blocked by a massive downed tree that was in the process of being removed, but by the time you visit it should all be gone. Upon rounding a corner, you’ll see the viewing bridge spanning over Mingo Creek, downstream of the falls. At almost 200’ feet tall, Mingo Falls doesn’t fully reveal itself until you’re standing directly below it. This beautifully cascading, horsetail-style waterfall has three distinct drops that emanate all the way from the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Named Mingo Falls by early loggers whom were reminded of a waterfall in their home state of West Virginia, this waterfall has been known as Big Bear Falls by the Cherokee People for centuries. 

This waterfall is so tall it barely fits in the frame of my wide angle lens!

Unbeknownst to most visitors Mingo Falls has a hidden fourth section completely out of sight from the ravine below. It takes a harrowing scramble up the side of the cliffs on some user-made trails to reach the 15’-20’ foot Upper Mingo Falls. Though not as striking as the 150’ ft plunge, the upper falls has a wide and fuller cascade that is picture worthy in its own right. Plenty of resources can be found online if you’re interested in seeking it out. Make sure to plan your visit after a heavy rain as we did and no matter which section of this waterfall you see, it will surely take your breath away.