Accessibility – Easy+

Height: Approx 35′

Distance – 0.4 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 8

Photo rating – 8

Solitude – 6

GPS Info: LAT 35.4923 LONG -83.1695

Last updated – 04/01/2017

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Soco Falls is just outside Maggie Valley on NC19 South of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The main drop is about 35 feet but there is a second waterfall that comes in from the left that is harder to see due to the vegetation and the location of the observation deck. The primary falls is directly in front of the deck as it emerges from the woods and slides down the rock face.

Coming from Maggie Valley or the Blue Ridge Parkway, head south on NC19 down the hill toward Cherokee. From the BRP it’s 1.5 miles to a large pull out on the left side the road. The pullout isn’t marked but it’s obvious this is there place. There is a chainlink fence along the side of the parking area facing away from the road. Less than half a mile from the pull out there is a small blue sign indicating Soco Falls is just ahead.

The trail begins at the break in the guard rail and it is steep in places. I was here over Thanksgiving 2014 and after getting six inches of snow the trail to the observation deck was challenging to say the least. Under normal conditions I can’t imagine the walk could take more than a few minutes. The trail is steep in places and the drop off to the left looks painful so watch your step on the way down. The larger waterfall across from the deck is easy enough to see but the smaller waterfall coming in from the left is not as easy to see.

The hike is kid friendly but keep a close eye on them since there is a steep drop off on the side of the trail.