Mingo Falls, called Big Bear Falls in the Cherokee language, cascades nearly 200 ft. down granite boulders. It`s located just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Big Cove Road past several big campgrounds near the town of Cherokee. in between to old trailer parks. The beautiful 1/4-mile hike to the waterfall along the rushing stream is short, but you must climb 161 steps. I love this waterfall, hate the steps because of they a crooked. But as you look up from the base of the steps, you`re looking into a lush green forest. At the top of the stairway, a short path past impressive rock outcroppings leads to a viewing bridge at the base of the falls. The waterfall is especially impressive after some big rains. Last night was a decent rainfall, for I have been there with just a trickle coming down off the mountain.
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