Mingo Falls
The access trail is steep, consisting of 161 stone steps that lead to a wooden bridge.
Plan Around Mingo Falls
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Mingo Falls Details
Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just outside the park boundaries, these incredible falls are some of the most spectacular within the southern Appalachians. Best viewed after the rainy season, they cascade down 125 feet of mossy granite boulders to a peaceful plunge pool edged with tall hemlocks and wild, sprawling rhododendron that bloom beautifully in the spring. The access trail is steep, consisting of 161 stone steps that lead to a wooden bridge that crosses in front of the falls for an excellent viewing point. There is also a set of smaller falls situated above the main cascades, which, although stunning in their own right, are dangerous to reach and require good climbing skills.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
0.5 miles
Estimated time
45 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Mingo Falls
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Mingo Falls
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0.2 mi away
Mingo Falls
Some of the most spectacular falls within the southern Appalachians.
1.3 mi away
Tow String Horse Camp
Located 4 miles north of Cherokee, NC.
2.1 mi away
Oconaluftee
Formerly the site of a Cherokee village and Appalachian community, the valley's bottomland.
2.1 mi away
Oconaluftee River Trail
Travels 1.5 miles between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the edge of Cherokee.
2.2 mi away
Mountain Farm Museum
Built of logs in 1900 from the once-bountiful chestnut trees.