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4.5
727 votes

Mingo Falls

Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, North Carolina 28719 USA

Free
Free to Visit
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    not Accepted
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • No Public
    Restrooms
  • No Wifi
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“one of the most fabulous falls in the whole Smoky Mountains area”

Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. At 120 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 considered moderate in difficulty. Access Trail: Pigeon Creek Trail Trailhead: 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 to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins.

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Reviewed by
deedra.willaford

  • 1 Review
  • 2 Helpful
September 23, 2014
Rated 5.0

This was a quick stop that turned into a 2 hour long visit. The hike up to the viewing platform is about 10-15minutes up cutout stairs to the viewing bridge at the base of the waterfall and has a fantastic view. BUT if you are feeling adventurous, hop the platform on the left side and there is a trail the goes up to another smaller waterfall and pool. It's a very visible and fairly steep trail. It has some amazing views, and is way worth the climb to get to look over a waterfall..

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
RSwansonSC

  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
August 02, 2014
Rated

This is a definite place that you want to see if you like waterfalls the hike is short, the path is great and there is a platform at the top you can stand to observe the falls absolutely beautiful

1 person found this review helpful
  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
June 12, 2014
Rated

con: you gotta climb like 150 stairs.
pro: this is without a doubt the best waterfall you'll ever see. it's huge! so amazing, go right after a storm for best results.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Fish Whisperer

  • 6 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
October 30, 2022
Rated 5.0

Great stop. Short walk uphill mostly.

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Reviewed by
StephanieCashman

  • 126 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
September 28, 2022
Rated 5.0

Short hike up a steep set of stairs. Maybe 15 minutes maximum to reach the top to see the falls.

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Reviewed by
aekendrick

  • 9 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
April 02, 2021
Rated

I thought the stairs were going to kill me (I could be in better shape!), but the view at the top was totally breathtaking and worth it.

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Reviewed by
jefawcett

  • 6 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
July 06, 2020
Rated 5.0

The directions on here were not entirely accurate, we had to keep driving another mile or so, and the falls were marked with signage along the road and had a parking area. Beautiful falls & we were able to take our dogs. There were even some small swimming pools for them below the falls. Definitely worth the stop!

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Reviewed by
accordingtomolly

  • 10 Reviews
  • 6 Helpful
September 06, 2016
Rated

Mingo was AWESOME. As another commenter mentioned there is another trail to the left side of the platform that leads up to another smaller waterfall and you will come out right at the top of Mingo Falls. You can look right down to the bottom, but be careful. The weather was great even in November.

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Reviewed by
Rererussell21

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 18, 2016
Rated 5.0

Loved it! Definitely worth the stop!

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Reviewed by
alyse

  • 18 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
February 24, 2016
Rated 5.0

This waterfall was a hidden gem, it's quite a steep climb up a set of stairs, but it's not too far of a hike and once you get to the platform in front of the falls it's breathtaking! They are so high up, so grand !

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Mingo Falls

Big Cove Rd.
Cherokee, North Carolina
28719 USA
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  • Unavailable
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    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
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    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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    Outdoor Seating
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