The falls are beautiful, and very large! The "hike" to them is actually a stair case that has just north of 150 steps in it, so it's a workout getting up there, but it's so worth it!
When you get there you first see a long line of stairs. Don't let them scare you because they are not that far and it is the hardest part. You can rest several places if need be. We had a 4 year old and 6 year old and they had no troubles. We even passed elderly people taking there time. Even if you take your time and rest it won't take 30 minutes to get there. In my opinion it is the best falls in the Smoky's. I do recommend going in the spring or early summer when the most water is flowing but it is great all the time. We consider it a must do every trip to the Smoky's.
Although you can park close to these falls, the hike up the stairs and then the path would be difficult for some...like someone with arthritis or breathing problems. You can rest any time you need to. Otherwise, I would say it's easy to get to because the hike is actually fairly short. There is a viewing platform at the top and the falls are tall. Keep in mind if you want to do slow shutter on your camera w/tripod, when people walk on the platform the whole thing vibrates more than a little so you might be there a while until there's a break in traffic. It's a pretty popular place, but not so much that you won't enjoy it. Very worth the stop.
Loved visiting the falls and it was a beautiful place. It is a bit of a climb to reach the falls but well worth it. We went on a beautiful hot day but the falls cooled us down. Do not miss this beautiful site!
A scenic treasure awaits at the top of the quarter-mile climb (mostly steps and family friendly). Mingo is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Appalachians. From Cherokee, take Hwy 441 north to the sign for "Big Cove Road." Turn right and then left to stay on Big Cove Road, then approximately 4-5 miles on the right, park at Mingo Falls Campground. Just look for the wooden steps and follow the crowd.
We hiked to the falls in the middle of a snow storm, and we were the ONLY people there. The trail is steep, but not difficult. We were a party of 7. My daughter has spina bifida and uses crutches. We had to give her extra support to left her legs onto some of the steps. She was determined to make it, and I'm sooooo glad. The falls are beautiful. The sound of the water was peaceful. The snow and ice everywhere was BREATHTAKING. I've read a few reviews that weren't as good. I'm certain the experience could be spoiled by large crowds. But I also think I would enjoy the beauty even if others were there.
Yes there are many steps to get to the falls, but you can stop and catch your breath along the way. When you get to the top of the steps there is a bench you can rest on also before you make the short distance to the falls. Once you step up on the bridge and get a look at the tall cascading water, you will know it was worth the trip.
We must have visited when the water was high because the view was spectacular. The walk up was strenuous but short. The only negative was that it is not well marked. We found it all right but the signs could be larger.
Such a beautiful waterfall with the ice around it! Decent haul up the stairs but VERY WELL WORTH IT!!!
The view was worth every step, the WATER FALL was beautiful and the pictures were even better. The climb is a little steep, but not that long. There is no cost, just enjoy natures beauty.