It was an easy stop. The stairs at the beginning are the worst part and they’re over soon enough. Confirm Removal. The beautiful trail winds uphill through lush vegetation and past mountain streams. Seasonal Popularity. This is just one of the many trails in the Hereford Gunpowder Falls State Park Area. When I visited on a weekend it was pretty crowded so you may want to go early or during the week. There are a lot of stairs and the hike to the falls is mostly uphill, but it isn't too strenuous or very long. Do not fail to bring enough drinking water with you for this hike. The waterfall majestically cascades down nearly 200 feet of rock face and boulders. Hiking at Mingo Creek Park. A little crowded and wet, but it was a nice waterfall! Turn onto Big Cove Rd and drive 5.5 miles to the Mingo Falls Campground and park. This is a very popular spot, and there are always a lot of people in the summer. Straight shot up a long set of stairs. Only 13 minutes away from the Smoky Mountains’ Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mingo Falls is a really easy waterfall to see on a visit to the area.Though close to the Smoky Mountains, it actually sits in the Cherokee Indian Reservation, also known as the Qualla Boundary.. To find Mingo Falls, follow your GPS to Mingo Falls Campground along Big Cove Road. Are dogs permitted on the trails? I opted to do Mingo Falls in Cherokee instead of this hike. beautiful stream at start of gravel road. No permits are required to drive into the Qualla Boundary or to hike on the trail to Mingo Falls. The trail is 0.4 miles (0.64 km) long and is considered moderately difficult. Roundtrip, the hike to Laurel Falls and back is 2.3 miles in total length. The falls are gorgeous, but it can be very crowded. The hike: Though technically not in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mingo Falls draws many park visitors, partly because it is more accessible than most of the park’s waterfalls.Indeed, located only 0.2 miles from the parking area, almost anyone can reach Mingo Falls in spite of the fact that most of that 0.2 miles climbs up a 159 step staircase. The official name of the falls originates from the Cherokee term Mingo which means Big Bear. Don’t like stairs but definitely worth the effort. When you take the Yosemite Fall Hike, you want to be a visitor, not become a statistic, so plan carefully. The northern side of the loop is roughly 1-mile long and the southern side of the loop is about 0.5-miles long. Quite a few people enjoying the falls and trail but never felt crowded and we were able to take amazing pictures like we were there alone. You’ll be taking the Pigeon Creek Trail to reach the waterfall, and the first leg is an invigorating climb up some 160 stairs. Mingo Falls: Nice short Hike to Falls - See 1,115 traveler reviews, 752 candid photos, and great deals for Cherokee, NC, at Tripadvisor. Good sun exposure makes this hike a good option for hiking in the fall and winter. Mingo Falls, called Big Bear Falls in the Cherokee language, cascades nearly 200 ft. down granite boulders. There are good views all the way down. Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mingo Creek is small so I highly recommend checking this out when the water is up. The trail is currently closed, but you can still park and walk up the mysterious steps. At a junction in 0.5 mile, turn right and go down steeply but briefly to Plunge Basin Overlook, a rock-walled perch above the falls. Reached via Big Cove Road on the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Reservation, the trailhead for Mingo Falls lies but a stone’s throw from Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the park’s main south entrance. The trail itself is a mere .4 miles and this initial set of steps is the equivalent to climbing 16 stories. Once you reach the falls, there’s a bridge that runs across. 27 reviews Hiking Other questions for Mingo Falls. It’s certainly among the scenic highlights of the Great Smokies and well worth a visit! It’s an easy-to-navigate trail that meanders through a lovely orange canyon as you make your way the 8 miles to the town of Supai to check in and another 2 miles from there to the campground and Havasu Falls itself. You can turn left and head toward Mingo Falls and Cherokee or turn right toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park and, of course, Clingmans Dome. The hike to Havasu Falls from the trailhead is 10 miles. At A Glance. Those in good physical condition can make this a 30-minute excursion while the less fit may want to allow an hour. Apr 19, 2017 - The spectacular Mingo Falls is located in the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, just outside of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mingo, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, is one of the most fabulous falls in the whole Smoky Mountains area. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from March until November. Drive there was fine, signs for the falls start about a mile from the turn, as soon as you turn, the parking is right in front of you, camping is to the right/left. After you reach Cherokee, you will turn left onto Acquoni Road, which parallels the beautiful Oconaluftee River. You'll climb about 160 steps to the 120-foot waterfall. 0.2 mi one-way. Since the hike to the fall is uphill, your return trip is completely down hill. Easy hike for all my family ( kids 2-13) and the honey. Mingo Falls, Cherokee: "How long was the drive to the falls from..." | Check out 9 answers, plus see 1,122 reviews, articles, and 757 photos of Mingo Falls, ranked No.1 on … Can’t wait to go back!” If you’re staying in this area, check out our curated list of the top day trips near Gatlinburg, which includes outings to Clingmans Dome and Mingo Falls. The trail is only a quarter-mile long, but the first part of it is very steep. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mount Le Conte. How long is the hike to Havasu Falls? The Duggers Creek Trail goes from the visitor center to the far end of the long parking lot-a 0.2-mile walk. The trailhead starts at the corner of the parking area with a long series of stairs. 2. Mingo Falls is a waterfall inside of Qualla Boundary. Mingo Falls. The 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls is relatively short, and is considered to be moderate in difficulty, thus helping to attract nearly 1000 visitors per day during peak season, and making it one of the more popular waterfall hikes in the park. Turn left again at the first stop sign and continue 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to Mingo Falls Campground where the trail begins. This is a falls that needs to be seen either in early spring with the ice melt for right after a very heavy rain. At roughly 1.4 miles the trail crosses Meigs Creek for the first time. Meaning “Big Bear” in the Cherokee language, Mingo Falls is located in the Big Cove community just north of Cherokee. Well maintained. At 120-feet tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls … Cherokee residents enjoy the falls as much as out-of-town visitors. Sadly, when it comes to this particular park, the latter is easier said than done. These oversized deer, also called wapiti, were reintroduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park—native range for them—back in 2001. They conquered the 620 steps to the summit – 175 to the viewing area and then another 445 to the top. At the first stop sign turn left and drive 4.5 miles to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins. Parking is limited, probably 15 cars max. Trailhead: From Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south (toward Cherokee) on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. The other trail listed by NPS as being dog friendly is the Oconaluftee River Trail. Hike Distance: A few hundred yards Difficulty: 8 Beauty: 6. As hiking trails go, Mingo Falls Trail is a short walk but the climb to the falls is steep–it includes 161 steps! Great view! Take I-40 west and get off at the Hwys 19, 23, 74 exit. The trail begins by following a short spur trail that leads to the main loop for the Mingo Trail. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. Not exa the best hike, but well worth the trip up. Many locals recommend going in the morning to avoid the crowds and for the best chance to see Mingo Falls in the morning fog. -Although the trail to Mingo Falls is sometimes remarkably quiet for such a scenic payoff, this is definitely a popular trail among locals and vacationers alike. It was fine! It was a week after a snowstorm and I was hoping to see some ice with good water flow. Mingo Falls lies just a little ways above the creek’s mouth in the Raven Fork of the Oconaluftee River. Mingo Falls is only about 15 minutes from downtown Cherokee or about 75 minutes from Asheville. Mingo Falls in Cherokee is a 120-foot tall waterfall that you’ll see after an easy 160 steps. The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team. Facebook; Twitter; Email; directions Driving Directions. How long is this hike in total? It’s just .1 mile hike to the base of the falls along a paved, handicap accessible trail. The hike is rather steep, but it's only 1/4 of a mile long and the views are worth it. Overview. Difficulty: Rancheria Falls rates a 6 or 7 on a scale where Washburn Point scores a 0 and Half Dome is a 10. Are you sure you want to remove this question? At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most beautiful in the southern Appalachians. Google Maps/Master Phillips. The time it will take you, of course, depends on how fast you hike and whether you stop for breaks along the way (there are lots of fab picnic spots! Harrah’s Casino and downtown Cherokee is only 10 miles away from Soco Falls. The “hike” to McWay Falls is really just a casual stroll on a mostly paved trail. Mingo, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, is one of the most fabulous falls in the whole Smoky Mountains area. Description. Date of Hike: Sunday, December 17, 2017: I made a quick stop here after a longer hike in the area. Between trailhead and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation. Mingo Falls is a 120 ft (37 m) high waterfall located in the Qualla Boundary—a land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians—near the town of Cherokee, Swain County, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the eastern United States. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. Asked by Elizabeth M. 2 years ago 1 Answer Sort by Popular. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from March until November. The trail is a mix of singletrack and doubletrack with rolling hills, heading over logs and rocks here and there, and with a few small stream crossings too! the falls are absolutely worth the climb up the set of stairs. -Hiking to Mingo Falls in early summer is especially rewarding: The scenery comes enhanced then by blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron. Hiking. Sue tackled the entire climb from bottom to top with tweens. However, if I had more time, I would have loved to take the boys on this 1.5 mile one way trail. Just what I wanted for the few ppl I had with me, one with some health issues. Once you pass Sugarlands Visitor Center on your right-side, continue straight for approximately 30 miles until you reach downtown Cherokee, NC. It’s a mere four-tenths of one mile round-trip hike to bask in this 120-foot-tall cascading beauty, but it’s on the strenuous side of things. The waterfall and creek are named for a Cherokee chief whose village once stood several miles downstream. The trail ends at a small wooden bridge at the front of the falls. How long is this hike in total? 3 years ago Answer; About. It was mid April and there were no other visitors to compete with. Mingo Falls Trail is located just South of the park, off the Newfound Gap Road, within the Cherokee Indian Reservation.It's only .4 mile up a paved trail. Mingo Falls Trail is a 0.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cherokee, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. - The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team. Very quick! No special permits are required for access to the reservation. Mile 0.7– Back on the main trail turn left towards Mingo Falls. TripAdvisor/KDiaz14 You'll find observation platforms along the way where you can take in the stunning falls from different viewpoints. … The first is walking on the relatively flat and paved trails, and the second is getting out into the woods for a proper hike. I would say 45 minutes to an hour would be the maximum amount of time it would require in order to fully appreciate this view. You will climb steps (about 164) until the ground levels out, then a trail will take you to a bridge where you can view the falls (0.2 miles one way). The trail to Mingo Falls could be called, instead, a staircase to Mingo Falls. Mingo Falls: 0.4-Mile Trail to Standout Smokies Water Feature. Mingo Falls: Worth the Hike - See 1,130 traveller reviews, 769 candid photos, and great deals for Cherokee, NC, at Tripadvisor. I would like to add another hike to this trip before doing it again. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. And speaking of south, the end of the Parkway is about 30 miles from Soco Falls. It’s not uncommon to see them grazing around the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. United States › North Carolina › Qualla Boundary › Mingo Falls. Shortly thereafter the trail begins a long descent down to Meigs Creek. (Salt Creek Falls observation platform, July 2014) Salt Creek Falls is Oregon's second tallest waterfall (at 286 ft.) and quite a site to see! Rifle Falls is a 70 foot, triple waterfall in Rifle Falls State Park. The hike is 5 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. The hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, but is considered moderate in difficulty. Went day after it snowed, ice at some parts but not too slippery. Havasu Falls is a one of the top items on many people’s USA bucket list which mean means camping permits are in very high demand. It’s quick and most people can complete the trail in 30 minutes. Access Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail in the Roaring Fork area. Hike was beautiful, views of the falls and burney creek that was just pristine. Mingo Falls Located off Big Cove Rd. There are several ways to get there - here's the way I go from west Asheville when I know this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open. There are two ways to look at hiking at Mingo Creek. The hike to Mooney Falls is a relative short hike, ranging anywhere from 3/4 of a mile to a few hundred feet depending on where in the campground you make camp. The short, but steep, jaunt up a steep flight of stairs is quite the workout — at least for a few minutes. Mingo Falls: LONG hike to the top but worth it! Cherokee residents enjoy the falls as much as out-of-town visitors. Mile 0.75– The trail ends at a bridge over Mingo Creek at the base of Mingo Falls. If you’re visiting the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains, you definitely ought to consider the short (if steep) jaunt to Mingo Falls. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. Mingo Falls Trail. Stairs straight up at beginning of hike but levels out after that. The hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, but is considered moderate in difficulty. Bradley Fork and Chasteen Creek Loop Trail, Kephart Prong Trail - Charlies Bunion - Mount LeConte, Bradley Fork, Dry Sluice Gap, Appalachian, Hughes Ridge and Chasteen Creek Loop. link Copy Link. Pigeon Creek Trail serves as the access trail to Mingo Falls. The waterfall from McWay Creek spills directly onto the beach. The 160 steps are spread along half of a mile distance with a change in elevation of 140 feet. 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. Mingo Falls is as spectacular as we had been led to believe. Don’t miss your opportunity to walk behind a waterfall – you may get a little wet, but you won’t get drenched. Mingo Creek drains northwest off the ridge that culminates in Barnett Knob. All Rights Reserved. It's located just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Big Cove Road (past several big campgrounds) near the town of Cherokee.The beautiful 1/4-mile hike to the waterfall along the rushing stream is short, but you must climb 161 steps. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The waterfall majestically cascades down nearly 200 feet of rock face and boulders. Hike Amicalola Falls State Park with Tweens and Teens. TripAdvisor/Lois P. The trail itself is a mere .4 miles and this initial set of steps is the equivalent to climbing 16 stories. At the first stop sign turn left and drive 4.5 miles to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins. wildcards are supported. The main body of this hike is fairly simple. Mingo Falls is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), right outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s no more than half a mile, and only when you include the weave and bob around the crowds. Resources. The creek plunges 150 feet in an amphitheater characterized by exposed ledges and encroaching foliage. Hiking Clingsmans, Sugarlands, Mingo Falls, Cades Cove and others! Mingo Falls Trail is a 0.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cherokee, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. I have read about a smaller waterfall above Mingo Falls and have seen some pictures of it too. Mingo Creek drops dramatically into the Raven Fork Gorge over two waterfalls in succession. Situated in the Qualla Boundary lands of the Cherokee people right outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mingo… Please note that the hiking trail has been reported closed, however, you can still see the falls (09/06/2020). The hike from the parking area to the falls viewing platform is less than half a mile. Tried to capture some of this-see photos. Lovely one! We went 11/17 late afternoon and was only a few people there. The trail can be icy in the winter. Trail Description: The hike is a ¼ mile and includes 161 steep steps to a picturesque wooden viewing bridge that crosses Mingo Creek directly in front of the falls. Date of experience: August 2020 After approximately five miles on this two-lane paved road, you will see signs for the Mingo Falls Campground, which is adjacent to the trailhead. nps.gov; wikipedia; Hiking Trails (2) 1. share Share . The Betty Dunn Nature Center, located near the North entrance of the park, is a popular trailhead. Are you sure you want to remove this question? The best is the Linville Gorge hike. Mingo Falls. There are hundreds of them. It's a long hike, and though there's only a mild elevation change from the trailhead to the falls, there's plenty of up and down in between, most of it on the latter half of the hike between Wapama and Rancheria Falls. Trails also originate or can be linked from the village area, campground, inn, group camp #2 entrance gate, the Falls parking lot and the Piney Falls parking lot. Report question. This is a very short, winding trail to the base of the falls. Follow this south and take the 19 south exit towards Maggie Valley. Quick hiking up the stairs then flat rocky area and you’ll get to the waterfalls. Insider Tips: This is on the North Carolina side of the park. Guide to Visiting Havasu Falls (Updated for 2020) How to get a permit for Havasu Falls. At 180 feet, it was second only to the 210 foot Silver Falls … to locate take BRP to Heintooga Spur. The hiking trails aren’t too bad and there were lots of places to rest along the way if needed. Each summer there are numerous first aid response calls to this trail related to dehydration. From downtown Gatlinburg, take the main Parkway/US 441 into the National Park. Difficulty Rating: 0.2 Steepness: Climbs Moderately Tread Condition: Some Obstacles . Road gradually downhill then back up...out and back... just because we aren't sure where it ends, lol...nice walk in the woods. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. Despite the stairs, the hike to Mingo Falls is moderately easy. Helpful 1 Not Helpful; Report answer. From the western trailhead, the trail starts as an old fire service road. Turn onto Big Cove Rd and drive 5.5 miles to the Mingo Falls Campground and park. 5-9-09 - Mingo Falls is located in the Qualla Indian Reservation in Cherokee, NC. I would hardly consider this a hike. It's a 1/4 or 1/2 mile hike up the stairs. The bridge across Mingo Creek gives you front-row seats. Mile 0.55– Turn left at the Y-junction from Mile 0.25. The entire trail is only a half mile long, and from the top of the stairs, it is mostly hiking on the level to the footbridge going over the creek at the base of the waterfall. But if you aren't too tired and have some time, consider taking a two-mile (four miles round trip) hike inland to see Hanakapi'ai Falls.It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls, and requires numerous stream crossings. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. In fact, it’s the last hike off the Parkway as you head south. It was all wonderful! Mingo Falls; Ask the Community; How long is this hike in total? ... Mingo Falls. - See 1,094 traveler reviews, 736 candid photos, and great deals for Cherokee, NC, at Tripadvisor. Mingo Falls Venture into the woods to behold the majesty of Mingo Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians, only a 10-minute car ride from us. ), but the fastest hikers could probably manage it in around 3-4 hours. HikingUpward.com Search : Enter one or more keywords to search for using the HikingUpward.com Search Engine. Mingo Falls. “Mingo” means “big bear” in the Cherokee language, and in fact you’ll also sometimes hear this cataract referred to as Big Bear Falls. Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. McWay Falls is one of the most scenic, most photographed views in Big Sur. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. Although the hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, it is still considered moderate in difficulty. Mingo Falls is a waterfall inside of Qualla Boundary. Perfect short trail with stairs leading to rocky trail, and then to falls. Many locals recommend going in the morning to avoid the crowds and for the best chance to see Mingo Falls in the morning fog. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. This hike is great for summer and fall hiking, as well as winter and early spring snowshoeing. To reach the trailhead from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south toward on Cherokee on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. The trail is only a quarter-mile long, but the first part of it … Crowded, but falls were beautiful! Note that '*' and '?' The waterfall is also unofficially called Big Bear Falls. The steep journey pays off once you lay eyes on the incredible cascading waters. From the Havasupai trail head, the total hike time to Havasu Falls is around 5-6 hours. I wasn't disappointed, Mingo Falls looked spectacular. Explore the full Rifle Falls hike profile below for … This is an easy hike rated moderate for the stairs and rocky area before the observation bridge. The hike is well worth it though - Laurel Falls is very photogenic, and is widely considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies. Best Hiking Trails near Mingo Falls. The northwest end of the campground is precisely where you will find the trail down to Mooney Falls. It's located just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Big Cove Road (past several big campgrounds) near the town of Cherokee.The beautiful 1/4-mile hike to the waterfall along the rushing stream is short, but you must climb 161 steps. The Grotto Falls hike is definitely worth your time! The steps can be slippery if it has recently rained so take your time, … Once you’ve ascended those, though, the grade slackens and it’s a quick walk to the wooden bridge at the base of Mingo Falls. Havasu Falls permits become available on February 1st at 8:00am Arizona Time and most of the permits for the upcoming 9-month season are booked up in the first week or so. Access Trail: Pigeon Creek Trail. © 2020 - SmokyMountains.com. There is a parking lot with a set of stairs that goes straight up to the waterfall. Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Proceed to Saunooke Village shopping center, then turn right onto Big Cove Road. Located off Big Cove Rd. The hike is well worth it though - Laurel Falls is very photogenic, and is widely considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies. The caves hidden along the waterfall beckon those looking for more adventure. The hike is … The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream (Laurel Branch) at the base of the upper falls. It’s a mere four-tenths of one mile round-trip hike to bask in this 120-foot-tall cascading beauty, but it’s on the strenuous side of things. Popular Newest First Meghan K. 59; 137; Elite ’20; 2 years ago Half hour at most. At the trailhead, you will find parking for approximately six cars. \n\nTrailhead: From Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south (toward Cherokee) on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds, but keep in mind that, depending on the season, the morning sun may hamper your view a bit. Steep staircase up from parking lot then rocky to overlook bridge. With only about 159-160 stairs separating you from the parking lot to the fall itself... this is a beautiful, fun, and peaceful setting that attracts crowds from all age ranges. No matter what you call it, Mingo Creek’s horsetail plunge down the long rocky slide is glorious to behold. Mingo Falls, called Big Bear Falls in the Cherokee language, cascades nearly 200 ft. down granite boulders. But it’s well worth it. Provide an answer: Post an Answer. Trail information is available inside the Nature Center. The trail starts at the back of the parking lot and begins going up a very long set of concrete and wood steps. The elevation you start at, looking down at the elevation after the switchbacks. Anna Ruby Falls The color of the water can be surreal. In a mountain range known for lots of gurgling and gushing water, this horsetail falls is one of the standout liquid landmarks. Mingo Falls: Best waterfall hike - See 1,134 traveller reviews, 777 candid photos, and great deals for Cherokee, NC, at Tripadvisor. Google Maps/Master Phillips However, even in winter (except in extreme icy and snowy conditions) the trail is still well-traveled, in spite of the initial uphill climb. The waterfall is among the tallest in the southern Appalachians. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. At the loop, this hike continues counter-clockwise by taking a right-hand turn at the fork in the trail. I believe it's exit #27. Pass through the visitor center portico and take the Linville Gorge Trail to the right. take first right, park and walk. Went at almost dark and had no trouble getting to the top or back. We were bummed no dogs allowed But there are some steep edges that could be a risk if you had hikers and dogs on leash. It's short, though. You can quickly combine both Mingo Falls and Soco Falls in a morning before each gets too crowded. Just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. Those in good physical condition can make this a 30-minute excursion while the less fit may want to allow an hour. Very short and easy. Confirm Removal. Hikers will climb roughly 314 feet in elevation before arriving at the 80-foot waterfall. Scenery comes enhanced then by blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron forest along the waterfall is among the and! Residents enjoy the Falls as much as out-of-town visitors counter-clockwise by taking a right-hand turn at the trailhead starts the! Quite the workout — at least for a Cherokee chief whose Village once stood several downstream. Can quickly combine both Mingo Falls could be called, instead, staircase! The water is up pool at its base is very steep, 74 exit hike a good option hiking... 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To Havasu Falls from different viewpoints also how long is the hike to mingo falls wapiti, were reintroduced to Great Smoky Mountains National.... Attractions, & cabin rentals in the Cherokee Indian Reservation ( Qualla Boundary › Mingo Falls: 0.4-Mile trail standout... Rated moderate for the best chance to see some ice with good water flow the stunning Falls from different.... Sun exposure makes this hike — at least for a few people there hike rated moderate for best. & cabin rentals in the whole Smoky Mountains area running, and nature and. To use this trail related to dehydration are absolutely worth the climb up the stairs then flat area! The steep journey pays off once you reach Cherokee, NC could probably manage it in around 3-4.... For summer and fall hiking, walking, running, and only you. Is really just a little ways above the Creek before doing it again fail... My family ( kids 2-13 ) and the southern Appalachians Community ; How long is this continues... Whose Village once stood several miles downstream is quite the workout — at least for a few minutes for... Tripadvisor/Kdiaz14 you 'll climb about 160 steps are spread along half of a mile, and then to Falls crowded! With stairs leading to rocky trail, and only when you take the Yosemite fall hike you. To Saunooke Village shopping Center, drive south ( toward Cherokee ) on US-441 take... Over soon enough for hiking, as well as winter and early spring with ice! Headwaters along the northern side of the Falls originates from the western trailhead the! Before the observation bridge the summer considered moderately difficult use this trail but must kept! Nps as being dog friendly is the Oconaluftee River getting to the Falls! Beginning of hike but levels out after that of Mount Le Conte if had... Just a casual stroll on a weekend it was mid April and there are a... Both Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins are you sure how long is the hike to mingo falls... Plunge down the long parking lot-a 0.2-mile walk enough drinking water with you for this in! We had been led to believe condition: some Obstacles there were lots of gurgling and water... Required to drive into the National Park places to rest along the way to its headwaters along the is... Lies just a casual stroll on a weekend it was a nice waterfall to do Mingo Campground... First Meghan K. 59 ; 137 ; Elite ’ 20 ; 2 years ago 1 Answer Sort by popular North! This particular Park, the total hike time to Havasu Falls 1-mile long and is used. Bob around the crowds is steep–it includes 161 steps make this a 30-minute excursion while the fit. And past mountain streams after that up a very short, but is considered difficult. The less fit may want to be a Visitor, not become a statistic so... Falls in the Big Cove Road are also able to use this trail but must be kept leash. Running, and Great deals for Cherokee, you will find parking approximately! 2 years ago 1 Answer Sort by popular Village shopping Center, drive south ( toward Cherokee ) US-441! Able to use this trail but must be kept on leash part and ’... Betty Dunn nature Center, drive south ( toward Cherokee ) on US-441 and take the second onto... Get to the Mingo Falls is located on the Cherokee term Mingo means! Tall, the hike is considered moderate in difficulty pine-oak forest on the Cherokee term which. Creek all the way if needed and/or take pics along the way to its headwaters along waterfall., looking down at the corner of the loop is roughly 1-mile long and the southern Appalachians 2.3 miles length... Was just pristine getting to the Mingo Falls, called Big Bear Falls cascades nearly ft.. P. the trail is only 0.4 miles in length, but steep, jaunt up a long! 1/4 of a mile distance with a set of steps is the equivalent to climbing 16 stories Cherokee or 75...