About Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is probably hands down the most scenic waterfall in the vinicity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (at least based on our research of the waterfalls in the park and our field observations).
This tall waterfall (said to be 120ft) had a strandy appearance during our visit in Autumn of 2012.
Thus, I’d consider the condition of our visit to be either normal or below normal because I have seen photos showing the falls in a widened state without segmenting.
There was a footbridge over Mingo Creek where we were able to get the views that you see can see in the photo above.
I’m pretty sure this view would satisfy most visitors so that ultimately made this waterfall a quick visit.
There were some later-arriving people who scrambled on the creek to get closer than the bridge, but I don’t think that’s necessary to get good photos or a good waterfalling experience here.
We showed up early enough in the morning (around 9:15am) so the sun was still behind the cliffs supporting Mingo Falls.
Plus there was only one other guy (a photographer with some serious equipment; possibly professional) who was already there prior to us arriving.
Had we come later in the morning, then the sun would’ve breached the cliffs and we would’ve been looking directly against it (not good).
Moreover, we would’ve contended with a lot more people as we noticed at least three groups (mostly families it appeared) approaching Mingo Falls as we were headed back to the parking area.
The short walk to Mingo Falls is said to be 0.4 miles (I think that’s round trip).
It started off by going up several stair steps before flattening out and eventually terminating at the footbridge over Mingo Creek.
We only took about 20 minutes to do the walk, take photographs (being mindful and respectful of the professional photographer who happened to be there when we got there), and return to the car.
Authorities
Mingo Falls resides just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. It is administered by the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary). There are no special permits required to visit the waterfall. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can try visiting the NPS website even though they’re technically not in charge of Mingo Falls.
Related Trip Reports
Related Top 10 Lists
Related Itineraries
Trip Planning Resources
Nearby Accommodations
This content is for subscribers only. See Membership Options.Featured Images and Nearby Attractions
This content is for subscribers only. See Membership Options.Visitor Comments:
Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...
Always worth the drive over the pass (Mingo Falls) May 27, 2015 7:28 pm - We usually stay in Gatlinburg and I always force my husband to go all the way into Cherokee for this short but steep hike for an amazing view. WE last was it about 2pm and the sun angle was perfect for photos. Although you shouldn't need much hiking gear to get a great view please… ...Read MoreVisitor Reviews of this Waterfall:
If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall
Nearest Waterfalls
