Mingo Falls, located in Cherokee, North Carolina in the Cherokee Indian reservation (it was fascinating to see the street signs in the area written in English and Cherokee as well.) is just outside Smoky Mountain National Park.

The 0.4 mile trail that leads to the waterfall is all uphill with many wooden steps. The path runs alongside the pretty Mingo Creek.

Just below Mingo Falls is a bridge-like viewing platform where the entire Mingo Falls can be seen on one side and on the other side there are views of the Mingo Creek. The 120 foot waterfall is one of the tallest in the southern Appalachians and is worth a visit. We enjoyed the beauty and the quiet haven in such a beautiful setting before turning around and heading back to the parking lot.

We barely met anyone while on the trail. It seemed like more of a hidden treasure but I did read online that it can get very busy, so I guess we were lucky.

Posted: May 2 , 2023

Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.