Bald River Falls
Tennessee • 90 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Bald River Falls
Bald River Falls is a stunning 90-foot waterfall located in the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. It is one of the most picturesque and easily accessible waterfalls in the region, offering breathtaking views year-round.
The Setting
Bald River Falls sits at 1,490 feet within Cherokee National Forest, fed by the Tellico River, in the foothills of Tennessee. The falls drop 90 feet.
Height: 90 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Bald River Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
USFS Trail
BALD RIVER TRAIL #88
Trail Class
Class 0
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
4.42 miTrail Description
No hiking is required to view Bald River Falls, as it is visible directly from the road. However, for those seeking a hike, the Bald River Trail begins nearby and offers a scenic route along the river.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 90 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bald River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bald River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring and fall are particularly popular due to the vibrant foliage and higher water flow. Winter offers a unique view when the falls may partially freeze.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Cherokee National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. During winter, roads may be icy or closed due to snow. Always check weather and road conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
69 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 81 years of record
0.79 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TELLICO RIVER AT TELLICO PLAINS, TN (10 km away).
Today
Low
69 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
67 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
72 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
72 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
68 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
67 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
67 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to mid April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Tellico Plains hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 262 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 90 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,480 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 85 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 110 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,480 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 262 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bald River Falls is located off the Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It is accessible via Forest Road 210 (Tellico River Road). The falls are visible directly from the road, making it a popular stop for visitors.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls along Tellico River Road. Parking can be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
1,490 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.324246° N, -84.177138° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be cautious of slippery rocks if exploring near the water.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Mountain Retreat
Mountain View Cabins on River
Peaceful, cozy cabin in the woods
Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental Game Room, Fire Pit!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
MCNABB CREEK GROUP
2.7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview McNabb Creek Group Campground is located on the North River in the Tellico River area. Fishing, swimming, hiking and hunting are popular activities.Recreation The North River offers plenty of fishing and swimming opportunities. Visitors also enjoy hiking local trails and seasonal hunting.Facilities The campground offers one group site that can accommodate from 10 to 60 people. It is equipped with picnic tables, grills and portable toilets. Natural Features The campground sits along the N
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Cherohala Skyway, Tellico River, and other waterfalls such as Baby Falls. The Bald River Trail offers additional hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the river.
Cities near Bald River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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