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Mingo Falls, called Big Bear Falls in the Cherokee language, cascades two hundred feet nearly straight down past granite boulders and rhododendrons schrubs – one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the mountains. But you must hike up to meet it-161 rough-hewn steps built along the rushing creek that descends from the falls. At the top of the stairway a short path leads to a bridge at the base of the falls, a safe place to stand and take in the sight. Cherokee people who live on the Qualla Boundary enjoy this waterfall as one of the beautiful places to visit on tribal land.

As you travel up Big Cove Road to Mingo Falls, you enter a part of the Qualla Boundary that is geographically remote, where people speak the Cherokee language a little differently, and where many of the old traditions are practiced. Kalvnyi, the Raven Place, as Big Cove is known in Cherokee, is a large watershed around Raven's Fork and its tributaries. Big Cove's remote woods and creeks have been home to some of the Eastern Band's most respected tradition bearers, who have kept alive and passed on to succeeding generations the myths, songs, dances, and medicine formula of the Cherokee.

Caution:

Pregnant women, or anyone with back problems, a heart condition, or any other health problems should use careful judgment about climbing the stairs leading to the falls. No one should attempt to climb up alongside the waterfall itself as the moist atmosphere creates slippery and dangerous conditions.

Location:

From U.S. 441 in downtown Cherokee, turn onto Acquoni Road, which runs beside the Oconaluftee River. Proceed to Saunooke Village shopping center, then turn right onto Big Cove Road. About seven miles from downtown Cherokee on this two-lane paved road, signs appear for Mingo Falls Campground. The waterfall is adjacent to the campground. Parking for the waterfall accommodates a half-dozen cars or more. Watch for the Mingo Falls Campground sign and a smaller Mingo Falls sign.