Soco Falls is a double (twin) waterfall near the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary) and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The main waterfall is approximately 50 feet high.
There is a small, gravel pull-off along Highway 19 where approximately a dozen cars can park. It sits near a blind curve in the road. The highway and parking area are not level. Take care pulling in or out so you don’t scrape the bottom of your car or cause an accident due to poor visibility.
You can hear the falls from the parking area. At the end of the pull-off, head down a short trail to the wooden viewing platform. It is less than a 5-minute walk making it comfortable for all. From here you can see the waterfall through the trees. The view is mostly of the waterfall to the right.
Base of Soco Falls
For a closer look, follow the more strenuous spur path to the left of the viewing platform. Carefully make your way down the steep and slippery slope to the base of the falls. There are interconnected ropes wrapped around trees and attached to the rock wall to help you balance. If you are hesitant or don’t think you can make it, do not attempt the scramble down.
Partway down there is level ground to pause on and explore the creek which feeds the left waterfall. Do not cross or play in the creek as you may fall or get pulled downstream. People have fallen to their death.
The hardest part of the trail is along the rocky ledges to the base. It is very slippery and hard for visitors to pass one another. Though once you reach the bottom the views are stunning!
I would recommend these falls for everyone whether you stay on the first platform or venture down below.
Absolutely stunning! Thank you for your explanation of the climb down. Some of us could not make the trip to the lower level, however, knowing there is a platform for all, I will put this trip on one of our photography shoot/waterfall travel plans.
Thanks Charlotte! This is a great spot for artist inspiration 🙂
As I read the comments I thought I wouldn’t be able to take this trip but there being a safe platform, I look forward to seeing the stunning view. Thank you Steph. For those of us waiting to travel again your blogs fill the empty space in our travel lives.
Thanks Liz! The platform definitely gives you beautiful views from a safe trail. I can’t wait to take a big trip again myself 🙂