6 Little Known Waterfalls In North Carolina Hiding In The Smoky Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains may get a lot of attention from travel books and tourists, but the Smoky Mountains are just as incredible. They’re also home to some amazing waterfalls that you may have never even heard of. These true hidden gems are some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina. With over 276,000 acres of remote, primitive forest, just getting to these places can be quite an adventure, but it’s totally worth the effort.
1. Indian Creek Falls: Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713
Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Located just outside of Bryson City, in the Deep Creek area, both Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls (another stunning waterfall on this list) can be accessed via the Deep Creek Trail. Indian Creek Falls is a lovely 25-foot waterfall that can be accessed via the 1.6-mile trail that's fairly easy. This is one of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina.
2. Toms Branch Falls: Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713
Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Close to the trailhead on the Deep Creek Trail lies the stunning 60-foot Toms Branch Falls. The cascade falls down rock formations and into Deep Creek. It's especially impressive and powerful after heavy rainfall, but even when it's on the calmer side, it's absolutely beautiful.
This is another of the lesser-known waterfalls in North Carolina tucked away in the Deep Creek area. The trail to access the falls is only about 0.8 miles, but it is considered moderately difficult, so use caution. It's unknown where the name Juney Whank comes from: it's likely either after the famous Cherokee chief Junaluska or the Cherokee phrase "Juney Whank," meaning "where the bear passes." A footbridge right next to the cascade makes for a truly idyllic scene. The falls can be accessed from the Deep Creek entrance right off the Juney Whank loop trail. The 90-foot fall has an upper and lower portion. It's one of our favorite overlooks in North Carolina!
At 120 feet in height, Mingo Falls is easily one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the area. In all honesty, this is likely one of the prettiest waterfalls in the southern Appalachian region. You'll find Mingo Falls just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, right on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary). All it takes to access this stunning sight is a moderate 0.4-mile hike. Did you know this is one of the tallest waterfalls in North Carolina?
If you're looking for a secluded, off-the-beaten-path waterfall in North Carolina, the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls is just for you. There are no crowds here, just nature. In Cataloochee, you'll start on the Big Creek Trail. The hike is around 4 miles and will take most hikers about three hours to get there and back. Nearby is one of the best swimming holes in North Carolina!
Tucked away between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, Soco Falls is a stunning double waterfall. The fall can be accessed off Highway 19, where you'll see a sign and a small parking area. With just a short walk, you can view Soco Falls from an observation deck, or even journey down to the falls for an up-close look. A "twin" waterfall is truly unique, and smaller falls cascade around Soco Falls, making the place even more beautiful.
There are so many phenomenal waterfalls in North Carolina. We especially love these six! Although we share the Great Smoky Mountains with Tennessee, it looks like we’ve got the better end of the deal! Have you ever visited any of these gorgeous waterfalls?
If you’re looking for something truly different in the Smoky Mountains, how about venturing down the Road to Nowhere?
Address: Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Toms Falls, North Carolina 28792, USA
Address: Juney Whank Falls Trail, North Carolina 28713, USA
Address: Mingo Falls, North Carolina 28719, USA
Address: Mouse Creek Falls, North Carolina 28785, USA
Address: Soco Falls, North Carolina 28751, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
April 05, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina?
There’s no shortage of fantastic trails with waterfalls in North Carolina. Practically every area of the state features beautiful cascades. One of our favorites is the hike to Crabtree Falls. This hike is less than five miles, so it won’t take you all day, and the 70-foot cascade is absolutely stunning.
What are some more great hiking trails in North Carolina?
In a state as beautiful as ours, we, of course, have plenty of great hiking trails in North Carolina. You won’t want to miss the hikes at Carolina Beach State Park. It’s such a lovely place with some beautiful scenery! There’s nowhere in the world with beaches like ours.
What are some of the best state parks to visit in North Carolina?
Did you know that we’ve got 41 state parks in North Carolina? It’s a cliche answer, but we love Mount Mitchell State Park! It contains the highest point east of the Mississippi River. You can actually see over 100 miles away on some of the trails here if you go on a clear day.
Address: Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Tom Branch Falls, Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: Toms Falls, North Carolina 28792, USA
Address: Juney Whank Falls Trail, North Carolina 28713, USA
Address: Mingo Falls, North Carolina 28719, USA
Address: Mouse Creek Falls, North Carolina 28785, USA
Address: Soco Falls, North Carolina 28751, USA
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