Soco Falls in Cherokee (How to See 2 Incredible Waterfalls)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on September 12, 2024.

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Soco Falls is a beautiful double waterfall in the Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Nation. It’s just a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and near Maggie Valley.

Also known as a Maggie Valley waterfall, this place is so easy to pass without knowing it’s even there, but it’s the most impressive of the Cherokee NC waterfalls, and we think you really should keep an eye out for it when driving down US-19.

Don’t worry; we’ll share driving directions (mappable, plus hiking tips!) to get you down to Soco Falls. Because once you see those two beautiful waterfalls plunge together at approximately 40 and 50 feet over rugged and sharp rocks, you will want to get there right away!

Map of Soco Falls (and More Waterfalls)

If you’d like to plan your trip, our map of waterfalls in NC includes the location of Soco Falls and more waterfalls nearby. As we mentioned (and as you’ll see), Mingo Falls is closest, and the Deep Creek Trail outside Bryson City isn’t too far away either.

Read More: The North Carolina Travel Map

The Soco Gap (Background)

Soco Falls is a part of the very important Soco Gap that today, sits inside the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Its significance is due to the geological formation that the tribe used as the reservation’s main entrance from the North and the East.

A mountain pass between Plott Balsam Range is also known as Ahalunun’yi in Cherokee, which translates to “Ambush Place.” It’s suspected that the name comes from a Cherokee attack on a group of invading Shawnees that took place in the 1700s.

Read More: Waterfalls near Asheville

Soco Falls Driving Directions

a car parked at the trailhead for Maggie Valley

From Maggie Valley

If you are coming from Maggie Valley on US 19, you will not see a sign indicating the pull-off for Soco Falls. That may change, so please let us know if we don’t catch it first!

Cell service is iffy in this area, so here are some easy directions to reach the waterfall. After crossing under the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is 1.5 miles on your left in a curve in the road.

From Cherokee

From downtown Cherokee, Soco Falls is 10 miles on your right. You will see a small blue sign on US 19 just before the parking area.

Regardless of where you’re traveling from, there is limited parking, so make sure to get there early!

The Soco Falls Hike

Trailhead Address: U.S. Hwy 19, Maggie Valley, NC
Trail Distance: 0.1 Miles

Before you begin the hike, please proceed cautiously, especially if there’s been recent rainfall. Proper footwear with good tread will help, as there are tricky spots along the way.

Read More: Hikes near Asheville

The Upper Platform

There will be a break in the guardrail on the left, where the trail will begin. 100 feet away, a viewing platform can be reached following a short, moderately steep path.

the view of the Soco Falls from the platform

Views from this platform are decent in the summer months but truly best in the winter when there isn’t as much foliage blocking your view.

A Better View (The Foot of Soco Falls)

the best view of Soco Falls from the base of the waterfall

To get the best view, we recommend grabbing your courage and descending further down into the valley for an epic experience. The trail starts off steep to the left of the viewing platform.

There are rocks to scramble over as well as ropes to hold onto.

Before You Hike: My Advice

Christina hiking back up the trail from the river

I wouldn’t say this is an easy hike, but it is not so extreme that only experienced hikers should attempt it. While I was there, I met a fellow photographer whose pup came with him.

Based on my experience, I’d recommend attempting this hike only if you are in moderate physical condition, confident in your footing, and careful. It can become slippery (especially after rain), and the path cuts straight off to the first waterfall.

Ready for Soco Falls?

Soco Falls during high water falling onto the rocks below

It’s closest to and considered one of the best waterfalls in Cherokee, NC, and Bryson City, NC. But Soco Falls is just an hour away from Asheville and perfect for a day trip! We hope you get to enjoy them (safely) and look forward to hearing from you about how everything went.

If you’ve visited Soco Falls, we’d love to know what you thought of them! And if you haven’t been yet, we’d love to know what’s keeping you. Let us know in the comments section below.

Places Near Soco Falls

Maggie Valley

We’ve spent a lot of time in the mountain town of Maggie Valley and loved one particular cabin we stayed in, surrounded by trees and beautiful views. Down below, Maggie Valley is well-known for incredible skiing at the Cataloochee Ski Area and is full of fun shops and the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum.

Lake Junaluska is also nearby, and its popular conference center is frequently busy. We enjoyed walking around the lake, though you can explore it further via canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

Cherokee

Mingo Falls is the closest waterfall to Soco Falls and perfect to combine with the latter!

Mingo Falls in Cherokee is a 120-foot tall waterfall that you’ll see after an easy 160 steps. You can quickly combine both Mingo Falls and Soco Falls in the morning before each gets too crowded.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and downtown Cherokee are only 10 miles away from Soco Falls. If you are interested in learning more about Cherokee history and culture, the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee People are close by.

Blue Ridge Parkway

a bunch of horses in the fields below Waterrock Knob

You may have come from the Blue Ridge Parkway when traveling to Soco Falls with a plan in mind. One nearby place on the Parkway we love is Waterrock Knob (MP 451) to the south.

It’s a nice overlook; you can hike to the summit (1.2 miles roundtrip). In fact, it’s the last hike off the Parkway as you head south.

And speaking of the south, the end of the Parkway is about 30 miles from Soco Falls. You can turn left and head toward Mingo Falls and Cherokee or turn right toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park and, of course, Clingmans Dome.

If you time it right (1 to 2 hours after sunrise/before sunset), you’ll see a massive herd of elk crossing the road just before the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Read More: Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes