Just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side, there’s a stairway hike that seemingly leads to nowhere. It’s found on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in the Quolla Boundary and is part of the Cherokee’s historic territory. Found here, not far inside the reservation, is a stairway to nowhere that really does take you on a magical adventure! Let’s have a closer look at this waterfall stairway walk in North Carolina.

Visiting here and taking this North Carolina stairway hike is a privilege you'll thoroughly enjoy.
TripAdvisor/Deborah Buchanan
The directions are found below. The parking area is located just steps from a main road and is located just across a wonderful little bridge.
Once parked, you'll see it:
Google maps/jim catalfamo
The stairway goes on and on — and UP — for as far as the eye can see. Of course, there is a sign at the bottom that clearly states what's at the top, but we won't spoil it for you just yet...
There are precisely 161 well-constructed steps that lead up the side of the mountain on one of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina.
alltrails/Victor Jordan
Getting to the top can best be conquered if you take your time and pace yourself. Step to the side and let those better suited to running up the stairs pass. Just know that if you need it, there's a bench awaiting at the top.
Once at the top, and after a short and bumpy trail (there are quite a few rocks), you'll arrive at a bridge.
TripAdvisor/Dan
A few more carefully planned steps will carry you to the top of the delightful little footbridge.

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By now you'll have heard the falls and our spoiler alert won't be necessary. This is now turning into a waterfall hike in North Carolina.
TripAdvisor/985monicag
The views in this wooded wonderland extend from both sides of the bridge. In the summer, it's a moss-covered paradise up here. In the fall, the colors of autumn are magnificent.
And all those stairs you climbed in good faith will pay off once you reach the bridge.
Google maps/Timothy Whittaker
The bridge serves as an overlook at the base of what the Cherokee call Big Bear Falls, one of the most spectacular North Carolina waterfalls.
Also known as Mingo Falls, this natural wonder drops 120 vertical feet on an angled cascade that flows at least 200 feet.
Google maps/Rick Repp
And it's gorgeous in any weather.
During periods of high rain, the water gushes over the falls, creating a spray that fills the area.
TripAdvisor/Deborah Buchanan
In the winter, if you dare to hike the frozen stairs (just be careful!), you just may get a glimpse of the frozen Big Bear Falls. (A note of caution: if you decide to wander off the trail to get closer, these rocks are super slippery.)
When you've completely satisfied your slack-jawed reaction to finding this massive waterfall at the top of a set of stairs that are taller than the waterfall itself...
TripAdvisor/KHobba
...you get to turn around and tackle that set of winding stairs all over again. Only this time, you'll be going down, instead of up. What goes up must come down on this North Carolina stairway hike!

Have you hiked the endless stairway up to Big Bear Falls (a.k.a. Mingo Falls)? What did you think of this North Carolina stairway hike? Tell us about it in the comments.

This hike begins on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just outside of Cherokee, NC. The parking area address is Sherrill Cove Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719. 

North Carolina is brimming with magical waterfalls to explore. Keep reading for a town park with a huge, must-see North Carolina waterfall, and then keep reading about this incredible horseback waterfall tour in North Carolina!

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stairway walk in North Carolina

Melissa M. | July 30, 2021

What are some of the most scenic hikes in North Carolina?

With a varied landscape of forest, sea, mountains, and more, there are plenty of scenic hikes to be found around North Carolina. Head to Whiteside Mountain for a wonderful hike to a 700-foot cliff and endless views. Linville Falls is one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls that you can find along an easy hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. For beach and sea views, head to Carolina Beach State Park and take a 2.8-mile hike for all the beauty there. Learn more about the best trails in North Carolina. 

Are there any waterfall hikes in North Carolina?

North Carolina literally has hundreds of waterfalls to explore but there’s one hike that is guided by a naturalist you should consider taking. Located in Asheville, Asheville Hiking Tours provides a half-day waterfall hike with a guided expert that will teach you all about the waterfalls that you’ll see along the way. It’s both an enjoyable and informative hike. If you prefer self-guided waterfall hikes, head to our previous post to learn about eight breathtaking waterfalls in North Carolina you can hike to.

What is the tallest waterfall in North Carolina?

The tallest waterfall east of the Rockies happens to live right here in North Carolina. Whitewater Falls is made up of a series of falls that totals an impressive 811 feet! The upper part of the falls alone totals 411 feet. The bottom part of the falls is partially in South Carolina and can be accessed there.

 

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Sherrill Cove Road, Sherrill Cove Rd, North Carolina 28719, USA