About Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is a named waterfall in Swain County, North Carolina, located about 4.6 miles northeast of Cherokee. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Smokemont 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°31′55″ N, 83°16′29″ W (35.53204, -83.27460). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mingo Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Pigeon Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), and Stony Mountain Ridge (ridge, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Creek Falls, 5.8 miles to the west.
More Photos
165 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Mingo Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Mingo Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Mingo Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Mingo Falls holds a 4.9 average from 49 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Mingo Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Mingo Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Pigeon Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Stony Mountain Ridge — ridge, 0.8 mi
- Sherrill Cove Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Soggy Hill Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Poplar Hollow Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Tow String Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Couches Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.53204, -83.27460. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Mingo Falls
- Grotto Falls, TN14 mi northwest
- Rainbow Falls, TN14 mi northwest
- Hen Wallow Falls, TN16 mi north
- Mouse Creek Falls, NC16 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mingo Falls located?
Mingo Falls is in Swain County, North Carolina, about 4.6 miles northeast of Cherokee. Its coordinates are 35.53204, -83.27460 (35°31′55″ N, 83°16′29″ W).
What town is closest to Mingo Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cherokee, NC, about 4.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Mingo Falls?
The closest is Little Creek Falls (5.8 mi west). Others within reach include Flat Creek Falls (5.9 mi), Soco Falls (6.5 mi), and Woodfin Falls (11 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Mingo Falls?
Mingo Falls appears on the USGS Smokemont 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.