The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many waterfalls and beautiful cascades. With many areas of the Smokies receiving more than 80 inches of rain each year, it's no surprise. Many are in very remote areas. Fortunately on the North Carolina side, we have several to visit that are easy to find near Bryson City and Cherokee. Photo above: Juney Whank waterfall in the Deep Creek Area
All of these waterfalls require a hike or short walk to view. Usually, it's not safe to go in the water near a waterfall. However, in the Deep Creek area, you can tube or wade by one for a very unique experience.
Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls, North Carolina
Yellow Creek Falls
Hike just a third of a mile to reach this 50-ft. waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. It's a great summer swimming hole, too!
Hike just a third of a mile to reach this 50-ft. waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. It's a great summer swimming hole, too!
Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls
See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. It is also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City.
See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. It is also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City.
Soco Falls
This rare twin waterfall is located roadside near Maggie Valley and Cherokee. You can easily miss it since there are few signs! The observation deck and viewing platform is a short walk from a… read more
This rare twin waterfall is located roadside near Maggie Valley and Cherokee. You can easily miss it since there are few signs! The observation deck and viewing platform is a short walk from a small parking area. You can also hike down to the base of both falls.
Mingo Falls
A photographer’s dream, this cascade is a multitude of waterfalls pouring from smaller ledges—making for spectacular wide shots and closeups alike. While the name sounds like it may stem from… read more
A photographer’s dream, this cascade is a multitude of waterfalls pouring from smaller ledges—making for spectacular wide shots and closeups alike. While the name sounds like it may stem from Cherokee origin, the 150-foot high, near-vertical cascade actually was named by loggers from West Virginia, who were reminded of the Mingo Falls in their home state. The Cherokees, however, had long…
Great Smoky Mountains Waterfall Drive
See five of the waterfalls with a 45-mile loop beginning in the Maggie Valley area. You will also go through Bryson City and Cherokee, with much to see along the way.
- From Maggie Valley, drive south on U.S. Highway 19 toward Cherokee. In just a few miles, you will pass an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 1.5 miles past the Parkway, look for a small parking area on the left for Soco Falls (no signs there!). It's a short walk to an observation deck.
- Turn around and go back to the Blue Ridge Parkway and head south toward the Great Smoky Mountains. Drive the Parkway for about 13 miles to the end near the Park entrance. Turn left on US 441 South, then left onto Big Cove Road in about 3/4 mile. Drive about five miles to Mingo Falls.
- Go back toward Cherokee and left onto US 441 South. After you go through Cherokee, turn right onto U.S. 19 South to Bryson City. Before you reach downtown Bryson City, turn right onto Deep Creek Road to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's only about 2.5 miles to the Deep Creek Campground inside the Park, with the parking area for the hiking trail along the creek to Indian Falls, Toms Branch Falls and Juney Whank Falls.
- Drive back to downtown Bryson City for some great restaurants and shops. To return to the Asheville area (60 miles by faster freeway), take U.S. Highway 74 east to I-40 West.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed on trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundaries - including the Deep Creek area. The other waterfalls featured above allow dogs on a leash.
Safety
Be safe near waterfalls since currents can be much stronger than they appear. Never climb on the cliffs by a waterfall since they can have surprise slippery spots that cause you to fall. See out Waterfall Safety Tips for more.
To find more Blue Ridge Mountain falls, see our Top 60 Waterfalls near Asheville. Also see our Great Smoky Mountains Outdoors Guide for many more ideas.
