Are there fees or permits required for Mingo Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Mingo Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Mingo Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mingo Falls.

Live Conditions · 253 ft³/s · About average

Mingo Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mingo Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mingo Falls.

North Carolina • 120 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Eastern Cherokee Reservation TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Lumley CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Dystopos CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

160 ft

About Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls drops a dramatic 120 feet into a rocky gorge just outside the town of Cherokee in Swain County, North Carolina. Nestled within the Qualla Boundary — the land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and part of the Eastern Cherokee Reservation managed by tribal authorities — the waterfall is one of the tallest in the southern Appalachian (Blue Ridge) Mountains and offers a striking, photogenic cascade that draws day hikers and photographers alike. Access is short but rewarding: a well-maintained 0.4-mile out-and-back path climbs roughly 160 feet and culminates at a viewing bridge at the base of the falls. The trail is considered moderate due to its steep stairs and grade; it can be slippery after rain, so bring good footwear. For campers, Smokemont Group Camp is nearby (about 4.6 km), making Mingo Falls an easy day trip from established camping in the area.

The Setting

Mingo Falls sits at 2,602 feet within Eastern Cherokee Reservation, fed by the Oconaluftee River, in the hills of North Carolina. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in North Carolina.

Height: 120 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Flat Creek Falls (200 ft) lies 5.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Grotto Falls (25 ft, 13.9 mi).

Flat Creek Falls Grotto Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.4 mi distance 160 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 160 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Mingo Falls is a short 0.4-mile out-and-back that gains about 160 feet in elevation and is rated moderate. Much of the approach consists of a steep staircase—approximately 160 steps—that leads down to (or up from) a viewing bridge at the base of the falls. The path is well-maintained but can become slick when wet, so expect a steep grade and bring traction-conscious footwear; the route is brief but strenuous in spots due to the stair section.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mingo Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mingo Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Mingo Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential for icy formations.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

The steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear. Stay on the trail and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

253 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

119 148 322 502

Based on 80 years of record

1.42 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is slightly acidic at 6.4 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.4 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

6.4

Acidic

Below normal range (6.5-8.5)

3.6 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

32 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

OCONALUFTEE RIVER AT BIRDTOWN, NC

USGS 03512000

6.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 184 sq mi

Altitude: 1,843 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OCONALUFTEE RIVER AT BIRDTOWN, NC (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

253 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

253 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

259 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

277 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

271 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

263 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

291 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

286 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February 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 Cherokee 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 383 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 120 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,586 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 131 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 244 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mingo Falls near Cherokee, North Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mingo Falls near Cherokee, North Carolina, showing about 383 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,586 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 383 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mingo Falls is located off Big Cove Road, approximately 5 miles from downtown Cherokee, North Carolina. Visitors can access the falls by parking at the Mingo Falls Campground and following the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,602 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.532044° N, -83.274595° W

Land Management

Eastern Cherokee Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the steps can be steep and slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 0.4 miles and 160 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

SMOKEMONT GROUP CAMP

2.9 miles away · 3 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this sunny group camp offers an ideal setting for camping excursions. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, this is America's most visited national park.Recreation Great Smoky Mountai

Book on Recreation.gov