Waterfall Hero Hikes: Bald River Falls (Cherokee)

Bald River Falls is a 90-foot waterfall on Bald River just above the confluence with Tellico River in Monroe County, Tennessee. The waterfall is located in the and Tellico Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest just outside Bald River Gorge Wilderness.

Hike Length: < 0.1 miles to base, 0.2 miles to top
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Location: Tellico Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: Very High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.32451,-84.17724
Waterfall GPS: 35.32432,-84.17778

Directions:

From Tellico Plains, head east on Cherohala Skyway for 8.2 miles and turn right on Turkey Creek Road. Bear left and follow Turkey Creek Road for 0.8 miles to the end at Tellico River Road (FR-210). Make a sharp left on follow FR-210 for 2.2 miles to a parking area on the right just after crossing Bald River on a bridge below the waterfall.

Map:

Hike Description:

Walk back to the bridge for a good view of the falls. This is a really spectacular waterfall and worth a visit in the area. It's easy enough for anyone to visit as you don't even have to get out of the car.

A path on the west side of the bridge leads down to the base to get in the water.

Its possible to hike to the top as well. From the far end of the parking area, pick up Bald River Trail (#88) that heads steeply up. Stay on the trail here. The trail reaches the top of the waterfall as it enters the wilderness.