Hike This Stairway to Nowhere in North Carolina for a Magical Woodland Adventure

Just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side, there's a stairway hike that leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall. The Mingo Falls hike in North Carolina is a short but sweet trek inside the Cherokee Indian Reservation in the Qualla Boundary, part of the Cherokee’s historic territory. Sure, you’ll need to climb over 150 steps, but the 120-foot waterfall payoff at the end is worth it.

Let's have a closer look at what I consider one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.

Why the Mingo Falls Stairway Hike Is so Unique

You might be wondering about the name, and you’re not alone. Deriving from the Cherokee language, the name Mingo means “big bear.” And I can see why the natives named it that - the giant waterfall is one of the tallest in the southern Appalachians. You’ll also hear locals calling the waterfall Big Bear Falls. 

Unlike many of the hikes in the Smoky Mountains region, you won't have to travel deep into the woodlands to see the waterfall. But don’t be fooled by the short, half-mile-long trail; it’s far from easy. In fact, most of the trail scales the side of a mountain using exactly 161 steps. To give you some perspective, that’s the equivalent of walking up a 10-story or more building.

So, for folks with any physical challenges, I would err on the side of caution and do some research before taking on this trail. Smaller kids might find this a bit challenging, too, but the pups (on leash) will be just fine walking up the steps. In my opinion, for such a short trail, the reward of the dramatic, cascading waterfall is truly worth it.  

What to Expect on the Trail

Visiting the Mingo Falls Trail and taking this waterfall hike in Cherokee, NC, is a privilege you'll thoroughly enjoy. The parking lot and trailhead are located off Big Cove Road near the Mingo Falls Campground. Since there are fewer than 10 spots, I would plan this hike early, and the trail will be less crowded then. Once parked, you'll see it—the stairway that goes on and on — and UP — for as far as the eye can see.

Although there is a sign at the bottom clearly stating what's at the top of the steps, the anticipation of hearing the rushing waterfall as you get closer will be one of the best feelings in the world. On this scenic North Carolina waterfall hike, expect to climb precisely 161 well-constructed steps with a guardrail leading up the side of the mountain.

Getting to the top can best be conquered if you take your time and pace yourself. Step to the side and let those better suited to running up the stairs pass. Just know that if you need it, there's a bench awaiting at the top to rest before you take the path to the waterfall.

Once at the top, and after a short and bumpy trail with views of rock walls and a flowing stream, you'll arrive at a bridge. A few more carefully planned steps will carry you to the top of the delightful little footbridge, the best seat in the house. By now, you'll be blown away by the views of the rushing falls and the rocky creek below. The views in this wooded wonderland extend from both sides of the bridge.

And all those stairs you climbed in good faith will pay off once you reach the bridge, and who knows, you might even forget about them once you're here. The bridge serves as an overlook at the base of the towering waterfall. This natural wonder in North Carolina drops 120 vertical feet on an angled cascade that flows at least 200 feet.

And it's gorgeous in any weather. During periods of high rain, the water gushes over the falls, creating a spray that fills the area. In the summer, it's a moss-covered paradise up here. In the fall, the colors of autumn are magnificent. In the winter, if you dare to hike the frozen stairs (just be careful!), you just may get a glimpse of the frozen Big Bear Falls. (A note of caution: if you decide to wander off the trail to get closer, the rocks are super slippery, so wear sturdy shoes).

When you've completely satisfied your slack-jawed reaction to finding this massive waterfall at the top of a set of stairs that are taller than the waterfall itself, you get to turn around and tackle that set of winding stairs all over again.

Only this time, you'll be going down, instead of up. What goes up must come down on this North Carolina stairway hike! This hike begins on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just outside of Cherokee, NC. It should take about an hour to complete unless you want to explore the falls longer or from different angles. There is no fee or special permits required here.

After you've hiked all 161 steps (up and down), spend the day in Cherokee checking out all the fun things to do in town. Have you hiked the endless stairway up to Big Bear Falls (a.k.a. Mingo Falls)? If not, you'll want to add this unique waterfall hike in North Carolina to your list. Between the short trail, the climb to the top, and the jaw-dropping payoff, you won't regret this rewarding adventure.

North Carolina is brimming with magical waterfalls to explore. Keep reading to discover more of the best waterfalls in North Carolina!