One of the tallest waterfalls in North Carolina sets a majestic scene in nature as it falls 120 feet over a cascading rock face high on a hill outside of Cherokee. And one of the best parts of this natural attraction is the trail to see it is only one-third of a mile long. Lace up your hiking shoes and let’s hit the trail to Mingo Falls…

Brace yourself for the big wow factor when you arrive at the mid-point of this striking waterfall.
alltrails/Meddie Frercury
Mingo is a Cherokee word meaning, "big bear." And what a big bear of a waterfall this one is!
Although the trail to Mingo Falls is short, it's not an easy one by any means.
alltrails/Gwen Burnside
Nearly the entire hike is straight up the side of a mountain on a set of steps; 161 of them, to be exact. It's comparable to walking up to the 16th floor of a building.
alltrails/Alyssa Mikell
You're sure to feel the burn on this one, but just take your time. The waterfall isn't going anywhere.
AllTrails.com rates this short hike as moderate due to the stairs and the rocky terrain just before you reach the...
TripAdvisor/Dan
Observation bridge at the mid-point on the waterfall. What a spot to congregate! You may even feel a drop or two of the water splash your face while you're standing on the bridge.
Google Maps/Sean White
Mingo Falls proper is 120 feet, but the waterfall and the long-tail together make this total drop 200 feet!
alltrails/Brenda Jones
Have you already hiked to Mingo Falls near Cherokee?
Google Maps

Let us know your thoughts and share your photos in the comments! You can also navigate to our North Carolina Nature Lovers group on Facebook and share your images there! Learn more about this short but sweet hike from our friends at AllTrails.com.

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Featured Addresses
Eastern Cherokee Reservation, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA