Mingo Falls, NC – Is it Really Worth It?

Mingo Falls waterfalls spilling down in multiple streams over multiple ledges

Published October 4, 2024

Mingo Falls, NC, is, IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) one of the best waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. That’s saying a lot since there are over 100 waterfalls and cascades in the national park! Mingo Falls is both interesting and impressive, and the short hike to it is…unusual.

We have visited the waterfall multiple times and will continue to do so. We suggest that you do the same! Continue reading to learn more.

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Where is Mingo Falls?

Mingo Falls is off Newfound Gap Rd, near Cherokee, NC. According to the National Park Service, it is outside the national park boundary but within the Qualla Boundary, a land trust of the Eastern Cherokee Indians.

The waterfall is about 38 miles from Gatlinburg. Depending on traffic, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive there. However, it is only 7 miles from Cherokee, NC.

(Click anywhere on the map below to enlarge the image.)

Map showing directions from Gatlinburg, TN to Mingo Falls, NC

Pro Tip

  • The directions to Mingo Falls on your GPS are WRONG, and I can prove it! Here are the Google Maps GPS directions from Gatlinburg to Mingo Falls…
  • Everything is good until the final two instructions. If you turn onto Big Cove Connector Rd/Saunooke Bridge Rd, you will almost immediately see the “No Access to Mingo Falls; Your GPS is Wrong” road sign…
  • Instead of turning onto the connector road, just continue straight on Big Cove Road for another 1.7 miles. (You’ll see the green sign just past the turn for the connector road.)The turn into the Mingo Falls parking area will be on your right, just across from a small bridge. (You’ll pass a large KOA campground on the way there.)

What Will I Find When I Get to Mingo Falls?

The first thing you will notice is two parking areas. One is directly in front of you, and the other is on your left as you drive in.

A small picnic area with picnic tables is located by the second parking area.

Most importantly, there are restrooms in the first parking area—that’s the good news. The bad news is that they are Port-a-Potties that usually seem to be in desperate need of cleaning.

The other thing you will quickly notice is stair steps—lots and lots of stair steps—161 stair steps, to be exact. The good news is that this is a beautiful climb. Mingo Creek is running off to the side of the stairs. In the spring and summer, rhododendrons and mountain laurels decorate the landscape with their blooms.

Mary Ellen sitting on the stair steps leading up to Mingo Falls
Stair steps leading up to Mingo Falls
Wooden stair steps leading down from Mingo Falls

The hike to Mingo Falls is only 0.25 to 0.4 miles out & back (depending on who you ask), but due to the stairs, AllTrails rates it “Moderately Challenging.”

Be careful if you visit during or just after rain – the steps can get slippery when wet…and it’s a long way from the top to the bottom…

Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls is impressive. At 120′ high (or 180′ high, or 200′ high, again, depending on who you ask), it is one of the highest waterfalls in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The water flows down in several streams, splashing off of multiple small shelves on its way to its base. From there, it continues down Mingo Creek until it joins Raven Fork at Big Cove Road.

This waterfall hike is highly rated:

  • AllTrails – 4.7 stars
  • Tripadvisor – 4.5 stars
  • Google – 4.9 stars
Hikers exploring the base of Mingo Falls as water tumbles down the rock face behind them

A bridge crossing Mingo Creek a little way back from the base of the falls serves as a wonderful viewing platform and photo spot. There are usually several people taking selfies there.

The base of the falls is also a great place for rock scrambling and ” close-up” exploring. (See the photo above).

Pro Tip

  • Mingo Falls can get crowded, especially later in the day. To avoid the crowd, we suggest getting there as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I bring along my dog? Dogs are allowed on this trail since it is not in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They must remain leashed at all times.
  • Is this hike appropriate for kids? At the risk of sounding snarky, it depends on the kid. If your child can climb 161 steps, then this hike will present no problems. Carrying your child up 161 steps on your back, however, might put a strain on your back…and your relationship with your child.
  • How much does it cost to visit Mingo Falls? Not a cent – it’s free!
  • Can I swim at Mingo Falls? You can stand under the falls if you like, but there is no place to swim. Sorry.
  • Where does the name “Mingo Falls” come from? The name comes from the Cherokee word “mingo,” which means “big bear.”

The Wrap-Up – Mingo Falls, NC – Is it Really Worth It?

The short answer is, “YES!” This is a short hike that ends at a stunning waterfall. As long as you don’t mind the stairs (or Porta-a-Potties), you will love this place. It’s one of the few places where you can bring your dog hiking with you. And you’ll have some spectacular photos to show your friends when you get home.

We suggest stopping in Cherokee on your way to the falls and picking up some sandwiches (at the Firehouse Subs restaurant) for a picnic before or after hiking up to the falls.

Happy Hiking!

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Jeff Powell

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of two blogs - National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers "supersize" their own national park ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen have been married for 35 years. They have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in a cabin in the mountains outside of Blue Ridge, GA.