Mingo Falls Trail

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 waterfall majestically cascades down nearly 200 feet of rock face and boulders. The hike to the falls 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 official name of the falls originates from the Cherokee term Mingo which means Big Bear. The waterfall is also unofficially called Big Bear Falls. \n\nTrailhead: 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.