Mingo Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mingo Falls |
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Mingo Falls
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| Location | Qualla Boundary land trust, near Cherokee, Swain County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°31′55″N 83°16′28″W / 35.53184175°N 83.27455374°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 120 ft (37 m) |
Mingo Falls is a beautiful waterfall in North Carolina. It stands about 120 ft (37 m) tall. This makes it one of the highest waterfalls in the southern Appalachian Mountains. You can find it near the town of Cherokee. The falls are on land called the Qualla Boundary. This land belongs to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
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Discover Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is a stunning natural wonder. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the eastern United States. Many people visit to see its impressive height and the beauty of the surrounding area.
What's in a Name?
The name "Mingo" comes from the Cherokee language. It means "Big Bear." Because of this, some people also call the waterfall "Big Bear Falls."
Where is Mingo Falls Located?
Mingo Falls is found on Mingo Creek. This creek flows into the Oconaluftee River. The waterfall is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is also near the east entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The closest town is Cherokee. This town is part of the Qualla Boundary land trust.
How to Visit Mingo Falls
You can reach Mingo Falls by hiking the Pigeon Creek Trail. The trail starts near the National Park Service's Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
To get there:
- Drive south on US-441 towards Cherokee.
- Turn left at the second intersection onto Big Cove Road.
- Turn left again at the first stop sign.
- Continue for about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the Mingo Falls Campground. This is where the trail begins.
The trail itself is about 0.4 miles (0.64 km) long. It is considered moderately difficult. You do not need any special permits to drive into the Qualla Boundary. You also do not need a permit to hike the trail to Mingo Falls.
