This Magical Waterfall Offers A Scenic Hiking Spot Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Whether you have an entire week or only 48 hours in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are endless scenic gems to discover. Chief among them is Mingo Falls. Tucked just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this soaring, 120-foot waterfall is one of the tallest in this section of the Appalachian Mountains. The name of the falls comes from the word "mingo", which means "big bear", a suitable moniker considering that the waterfall is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The best way to experience the beauty of the waterfall is hiking to the viewing bridge near the falls.

Mingo Falls' trailhead is about 5 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is roughly a 15-minute drive from Cherokee. If you are flying in, the nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport, about 63 miles from the trailhead. Some Smokies destinations near Mingo Falls include Clingmans Dome and Big Cove Road. The destination was closed down in mid-2025 due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene, although it reopened in late September 2025 with several improvements, including a trail and a viewing area.

The Mingo Falls Trail is a short, 0.4-mile round trip. The trail is steep but rewarding, with beautiful views of Mingo Falls as your reward. Starting at the trailhead in the Qualla Boundary, you'll come across a wooden staircase with about 160 steps that lead up a forested hillside. The steps are well-maintained but can be slippery during the rainy season. As you climb the steps, you'll hear the sounds of Mingo Creek running alongside the trail. At the top of the steps, the trail levels out to a dirt path that passes through dense forests to the wooden viewing bridge at the base of the falls. Here you can take in the beautiful views of the Mingo Falls.

The best time to hike the Mingo Falls Trail is early in the morning when there are fewer people walking the trail. Travelers can also tackle the trail in early summer when the mountain laurel and rhododendrons are blooming, one of the best places for snapping incredible travel photos near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While you can also see the waterfall in winter, you need to be careful when hiking the trail due to slippery conditions. 

After hiking to Mingo Falls, you can discover numerous attractions in Cherokee, North Carolina. Your first stop is the Smoky Mountains National Park. Featuring popular hiking trails, rugged mountains, and a wide array of animal and plant species, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire world. If fishing is your thing, you can also choose to plan a fishing trip on the Oconaluftee River. This waterway is packed with brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Another popular destination is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum, about 5 miles from Mingo Falls. The center gives travelers a glimpse into the region's history with exhibits about Appalachian life and trails leading to the Oconaluftee River. The adjacent outdoor museum has historic log cabins, barns, and a smokehouse.

History buffs will be thrilled by the Museum of the Cherokee People in downtown Cherokee. This museum provides insights into Cherokee history, ancient traditions, and culture. You will learn history through interactive displays, art, and artifacts. After a long day, you can refuel at one of the many restaurants in Cherokee. Granny's Kitchen is a favorite serving tasty comfort food like biscuits and gravy. Some of the treats you will find on the menu include roast beef, fried chicken, barbecued pork spare ribs, and noodle soup. Alternatively, you can pause by Native Brews for some sumptuous treats paired with local brews.