Mingo Falls is located 6 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Mingo means Big Bear in the Cherokee language, an appropriate name for this 120' waterfall. Mingo Falls is one of the tallest in all of southern Appalachia, and taller than any within Park boundaries.

Mingo means 'Big Bear' in the Cherokee language

Mingo Falls' base is shallow and flat, making the falls fairly accessible with a short scramble

A short flight of steep stairs follows Mingo Creek up to the viewing area

Social trails lead up the falls' right side, but are considered dangerous and discouraged by land managers

Mingo Falls is 120' tall; the Park's tallest are Rainbow Falls (80') and Ramsey Cascades (90').

Mingo Falls' long drop turns to mist before hitting the ground

There are approximately 160 stairs leading to the bridge spanning Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls (2,418')

Damp crevices in the rocky are ideal for finding salamanders