Bald River Gorge Wilderness

Bald River Gorge Wilderness is a 3,791-acre wilderness area in Cherokee National Forest in Monroe County, Tennessee.  The wilderness protects a six-mile stretch of Bald River before it spills into Tellico River.  Just beyond the wilderness border is the 90-foot Bald Bald River Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Tennesee.  Designated as wilderness in 1984, the area is protected from development, but was logged historically.  Several trails lead through the wilderness and primitive camping is permitted.  Upper Bald River Wilderness borders to the north.

Map:

Trails:

Bald River Trail (#88)

Bald River Trail starts at the parking area for Bald River Falls and heads up and into the wilderness, following the river upstream.  Following an old railroad grade, the trail passes several waterfalls and there are spots for primitive camping.  The trail ends at Bald River Road/FR-126.

Points of Interest:

Baby Falls

Baby Falls is a waterfall on Tellico River just outside the wilderness.

Bald River Falls

Bald River Falls is a 90-foot waterfall just above the confluence with Tellico River.  The wilderness boundary starts just above the waterfall.

Bald River Waterfall

There is a scenic 15-foot waterfall on Bald River about a quarter-mile downstream of FR-126.

Middle Bald River Falls

Middle Bald River Falls is waterfall in two sections about a half-mile upstream from the road.

Wildlife:

Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)

Chanterelle waxy cap (Hygrocybe cantharellus)

Blog Entries:

06-Jul-2026: Bald River Gorge Hike

02-Nov-2020: Tellico Falls

External Links:

Wilderness Connect website: https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=26

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/recreation/bald-river-gorge-day-hike