6 Little Known Waterfalls In North Carolina Hiding In The Smoky Mountains
While the Blue Ridge Mountains get all of the attention, the Smoky Mountains are just as incredible. They’re also home to some amazing waterfalls you might’ve never heard of. With over 276,000 acres of remote, primitive forest, it can be an adventure just getting there, but totally worth it.
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Located outside of Bryson City, in the Deep Creek area, both Indian Creek and Toms Branch Falls (#2) can be accessed on the Deep Creek Trail. Indian Creek is a lovely 25-ft. waterfall.
Close to the trailhead on Deep Creek, the stunning 60 ft. Toms Branch Falls. It cascades down rock formations and into Deep Creek, it's especially impressive and powerful after a heavy rain, but the calm nature is beautiful as well.
Another more hidden, and lesser-known waterfall of the Deep Creek area is Juney Whank (due to the fact the hike is considered moderately difficult, use caution). A footbridge next to the cascade makes for an idyllic scene. The fall can be accessed from the Deep Creek entrance off the Juney Whank loop trail. There's an upper and lower portion to the 90-ft. fall. The fall is named after Mr. Junaluska "Juney" Whank, who's rumored to be buried somewhere in the Deep Creek area, particularly near the fall.
Falling at 120 ft, Mingo Falls is easily one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the area and really the southern Appalachians. You'll find Mingo Falls right outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary). A moderate, 0.4-mile hike takes you to this beauty.
If you're looking for a secluded, off the beaten path waterfall, the 45 ft. Mouse Creek is just for you. There's no crowds, just nature. In Cataloochee, you'll start on the Big Creek Trail. The hike is around 4 miles and hikers are expected to spend at least three hours there and back on the trail.
Located between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, Soco Falls is a stunning double waterfall. The fall can be accessed off HWY 19, where you'll see a sign, a small parking area and with a short walk you can view it from an observation deck or journey down to the falls for an up close look. A "twin" waterfall is truly unique, and smaller falls also cascade around Soco Falls.
North Carolina is home to so many waterfalls, yet these six are truly stunning. Although we share the Great Smoky Mountains with TN, it seems like we have the better end of the deal! Have you ever visited any of these waterfalls?
If you’re looking for something truly different in the Smoky Mountains, how about venturing down the Road to Nowhere?
