Spectacular Waterfalls
Waterfalls continue to be the most asked for feature of Maggie Valley.
There are some spectacular water features that are a close drive from the valley. Though you won't find any near the Valley floor, you won't have to go far. Here are some of our favorites:
SOCO FALLS - Soco Falls is located just past the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way to Cherokee. [More Info]
MINGO FALLS - Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No special permits are required for access to the reservation. At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. [MAP]
GRAVEYARD FIELDS WATERFALLS - Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north, the hiking area includes two beautiful waterfalls, the multi-tiered second falls and the tall cascades of the upper falls. The trails meander through valley that was once used for grazing cattle around the turn of the last century. The hikes are moderate. SAFETY - As will any water feature, the trails, rocks and surrounding aresa are often wet and slippery. Use caution when ever hiking around water. [MAP]
Abrams Falls, Cades Cove TN - If you're venturing into the Great Smokies and on to Cades Cove in the park, you'll want to stop by Abrams Falls. It is a heavy flowing 25 foot, and beautiful waterfall. The hike out is 2.5 miles, and is very nice and well worth the hike. [MAP]
Bridal Veil Falls Highlands NC - Just off highway 64 is this 60 foot roadside waterfall. One of the most popular falls in Western NC. It only 20' off the highway and is handicap and disabled friendly. [MAP]
Courthouse Falls - A spectacular and remote 50' waterfall surrounded by step cliffs. It's a little bit of a hike, though an easy 1.4 mile round trip. The falls are located in Pisgah National Forest, near the Blue Ridge Parkway. [MAPS]
Dry Falls NC - You can actually walk behind this 75' beautiful roadside waterfall near Highlands, NC. You'll find easy access parking, restrooms and a viewing platform, all handicap accessible. There is a paved trail down to and behind the falls. [MAP]
Looking Glass Falls - Located immediately roadside on Highway 276 near Brevard NC, the falls are visible from the road, making it handicap accessible. After dropping 50 feet, the pool at the bottom is a popular summer swing hole. [MAP]
Dill Falls - A remote and scenic waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest near Highway 215 and The Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall is accessible via a short trail and moderate trail. [MAP]