Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, plunging 120 feet down a dark rock face surrounded by towering hemlocks and thick rhododendron. The water of Mingo Creek cascades in a dramatic free-fall before spreading into multiple streams across the wide cliff face. The sheer height and volume of this waterfall create a thunderous roar that echoes through the narrow gorge.

The trail from Mingo Falls Campground is short but steep, climbing 176 steps along a well-built staircase to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. The effort is rewarded with an up-close encounter with one of the most powerful waterfalls in western North Carolina. The surrounding old-growth forest adds a primeval atmosphere.

Located on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Mingo Falls is best visited in spring when snowmelt and rain swell the creek to full capacity. Fall color arrives here in mid-October. The short but intense climb makes this accessible to most visitors willing to tackle the stairs.