A Quick Trip to Mingo Falls, Great Smoky Mountains

Mingo Falls isn’t actually in the park, but it’s only a short drive away on the Cherokee Reservation and well worth seeing. The waterfall trail is accessed just off Big Cove Road, which lies between Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the town of Cherokee, NC. They say there are 170 steps to climb at the beginning of the trail. We didn’t count, but hiking under the thickets of rhododendron in the cool morning air gave us the encouragement we needed to make the climb. And shortly, we were walking on flatter ground. It’s less than half a mile roundtrip to Mingo Falls from the parking area, and this waterfall gives a huge payback for a relatively minimum amount of effort. And before we knew it, we had arrived at Mingo Falls. One hundred and eighty feet tall, the waterfall is striking, lit by the morning sun, and full from spring rains. A silverbell tree resides near the base with a stunning cascade backdrop. Rhododendron, mosses, and small plants brave the rocks below, enjoying the misty spray from the falls as the cascading water sends a forceful breeze toward the surrounding landscape. This is a great spot pause and enjoy the marvel of the falling water and the sights, the sounds, and the smells of a wilderness gem.