What a cool area, the air temp near the base is awesome on a hot day, good place for a picnic

Cool 90' waterfall near the TN end of Cherohala Skyway. After a 2 year long closure, BRF just opened 3 weeks ago (May 30,2025). It had a great setting with strong cascades after much rain in the Cherokee National Forest. Since August, 2023 much of the roads, parking and the original 1933 Bridge were updated and new observation decks from the Bridge make it enjoyable even for the mobility challenged. The base of the falls and swimming holes can be accessed. I dipped my toes in and the water was warmer than expected on a hot humid (80s) day. There are 2 access roads along the Cherohala Skyway and are easy to miss. River Road is easier and seems to show up on GPS. Turkey run is NOT marked, newly paved but had a big fallen tree blocking much of the road. Parking is limited, about 15 parking spots and a steady stream of cars waiting on a weekDay afternoon. It's worth a stop but be prepared for the crowds and limited parking. No restrooms nor anything else. Leave No Trace! read more

Bald River Falls - 6/25 before the new BRF bridge - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

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If you're wanting a nice scenic drive (especially in the fall) and a beautiful waterfall, Bald River Falls is your place!! The waterfall itself is easy to get to as it accessible by car, but note the bridge is CLOSING in August 2023 for repairs! There is parking just past the bridge and a great place to stretch your legs and get a good view. To the left there is a rocky staircase that can take you down to the bottom of the falls. I say staircase, but that's being generous. It's more of a variety of rocks stacked and over time have settled into the earth to allow you a way to get down and up. The water is calm enough to get into on the sides, but I wouldn't recommend going too far in near the falls as the current is quite strong. read more

Bald River Falls - Bottom view - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

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Definitely put this on your list of places to see! It's a fairly short but scenic drive from Tellico Plains, albeit on a very narrow road for two way traffic. Once you get there, you can park right beside the falls and see it from the bridge or hike down the rocks to the bottom and get even closer. There's also a nice short 1/8 mile hike to get to the top which offers an excellent view as well. read more

If you are anything like me, you will purposely find reason to get out and travel... even if its only a day trip. I am fortunate to live in Metro Atlanta, which puts me within a few hours of incredible mountain wilderness such as that found here in the Tellico Plains Tennessee area. A three and a half hour one way drive from home honestly sounds exhausting. But coupled with a gorgeous mountain drive, great places to stop for a bite to eat and a GORGEOUS waterfall that can be seen from the side of the road turns a 7 hour round trip drive into an adventure! We actually made Bald River Falls a detour stop as we drove home from Sevierville, TN, but my wife was so impressed with the scenery and small towns we passed through that she requested a return overnight trip "when we aren't busy!" She had me before she even spoke it. We fully intend to drive the scenic Cherohala Skyway and pass back through Blairsville to visit Pappy's Trading Post plus a number of other small town open air markets we saw along the way. The parking area is sufficient for about 15-20 cars and nearby Baby Falls las additional parking. The distance between the two is only 1/3rd of a mile. I took a side trail on the right side of Bald River Falls down to the river. If you are tenacious, you can find your way fairly close to the base of the falls. There is also a trail on the left side that seems to take you to the top of the falls. There is no hiking required to view the falls making it perfect for anyone. There are also other waterfalls within a reasonable driving distance you can hike to such as Conasauga Falls, Wildcat Falls and Falls Branch Falls. Heading towards Georgia there is also TurtleTown Creek Falls, Benton Falls and Lowry Falls Trail. [ TO MY ATLANTA YELP HIKING GROUP ] GEAR UP!!! This will be our targeted area for a fun adventure later this month, possibly around the 18th-19th! Be prepared to stay overnight so that we can get the maximum fun out of our drive!!! We've got a lot to see so lets get to it ;-) Yes that means you too Bobby G from Jacksonville! 2022 / 90 read more

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Apple Maps shows the recreation area in a slightly different location (same road, but east of the actual falls), so there was a bit of confusion when I drove here, but the falls were splendid and super easy to access. In fact, the view from the road is almost as good as the view from below the bridge, accessed by scrambling down the rocks on either side of the water. (The path on the east side looked easier to me, so that's the side I went down.) While you can get here from the east (Maps will offer two options depending on your starting point), so not attempt the eastern route without a truck or SUV and a confident driver. I left Murphy, SC at 5:30am to get to the falls early and ended up driving almost 20 miles on dirt roads with sheer drops on one side ... in the dark. Not for the squeamish. The drive through Tellico Plains is much easier, if physically longer. read more

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We did the Hiawassee River Train Adventure and then headed out to Tellico Plains for a few stops- on my list Bald River Falls and Baby Falls (right up the road). The massive storm that rolled through the day before meant rivers were high, water was raging and the falls were crazy! I've seen pictures of the falls at various water flow and this was mad rushing! The spray was ice cold misting across the roadway. There was a secondary fall off to the right, hard to make out in pictures because of tree cover- but much higher than the big falls. My son and I were even crazy enough to hike up the side of the falls to the (maybe) midway point and stand inches from the falling waters. Robert even reached out to touch the water. Nut. We did our insane selfies and I even did a short video with us making faces. Then- I stepped into a mud hole. Good job, I know. Worth the beautiful scenic drive in. This was about 2 hours from where we were staying in Chattanooga and an hour passed Etowah- where we had the train ride and lunch. The Cherokee Forest National Park is stunning to drive through and we enjoyed the river views along the drive. Highly recommend the detour. read more

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I really liked these falls! It's a great view - clear roaring waters against a backdrop of vivid lush greenery and deep black stone. (Reminds me a bit of waterfalls in Oregon. Have you ever been?..) Anyways..the falls are about 90 feet. BAM! It's a great height. The falls are super easy to descend if you want jump in for a swim. Park your car on the side of the road and scramble down the rocks. Its may about 10 feet, tops. I even did it in flip flops. I appreciate that visitors take good care of these falls. No litter or trash or cesspools of gunk. You gotta take care of nature, folks. The falls are about 11 miles from the town visitor center. Well worth the drive. Pack in a sandwich and dip your toe in the waters. Perfection. read more

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One of my favorite places to get away and relax! There are plenty of places to explore and a nice area for picnics. Be sure to check out Baby Falls just up the road from Bald River Falls too! read more

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This is a large cascading waterfall in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest. As the other reviews note, you can see the waterfall directly from the road. Just park your car nearby and walk on the bridge. Even for people who don't want to hike, you can walk a few steps and get great shots of a mountain waterfall. We chose to hike the trail that begins at the end of the parking area by the falls. Go to the last spot (farthest from the bridge) and hike up the hill. The trail goes up to the top of the falls. There are railings and stairs. So, it is not a difficult journey. From there, you can continue on the trail following the river as it winds through the mountain. The farther you go, the more challenging. I'd rank it as a "moderate" hike. But, for small children, there may be a couple points that you'd want to hold their hand. My kids 8 and 9 handled it decently. Overall, the hike was one of the better ones. Very nice scenery; views of small waterfalls/streams, and breezy. From Farragut / W. Knoxville, it's around 1 hr. 20 min away. You'll pass through Sweetwater and Madisonville. The drive isn't much different than going to the Smokies or Gatlinburg -- but no traffic and less people. The small parking area by the falls filled up quickly (I got there early and it was fine). Also, I didn't see any bathroom facility. So, plan for that. read more

Bald River Falls never disappoints! Alway encourage my VRBO guest to drive down to check her out! read more

Bald River Falls - Bald River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

This was well worth a three hour drive. Just like everyone says there is hardly any parking the view can be seen from the bridge which cars drive on as well. It's kinda hard to get good pics until the traffic slows up some. Don't forget to go on down a few minutes to see baby falls as well. read more

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This waterfall is huge and beautiful. There is no walking to it. You can drive right to this, very scenic drive, talk lots of pictures!! A short drive outside of Tellico Plains. A must see. read more

Bald River Falls - Bald River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

In Kentucky we have Cumberland Falls, in Tennessee they have bald River Falls. This in isn't as big as Cumberland, but it's unique in its own way. This was my second time in the area and the first time that I talked my husband into driving 6 miles down the road, to reach the falls. They were magnificent and noncommercialized. There were even people in the water, under the falls and even people at the top of the falls. We stayed put on the bridge, that overlooked the falls. It turned out to be a great photo op of the bike, with the falls in the background. If you're in the area, don't pass up the opportunity to see it. If you love waterfalls, make a trip of it. Cabins in the area are the cheapest I've ever experienced. read more

Bald River Falls - People were at the top and wading at the bottom. - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

Definitely a must see. Beautiful falls seen easily from the road with an option to hike to top if interested. The scenic drive up the river was amazing in itself. Highly recommend! read more

Amazing place to visit, drive up to the waterfall and/or find a parking spot and explore. There are additional parking spots nearby and "National Park" style bathrooms that are basic but welcoming to those in need read more

Bald River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh-mazing. If you are visiting Blue Ridge, Georgia (like we were), Bald River Falls is about a 2-hour drive northish (winding through scenic mountains, no less). But ohhhh baby baby, the money shot is worth it. What a knockout. No hiking required, either. This gorgeous thing is something you can just drive to, park at and walk up to. Fer real. We adventured down the stony slope below the bridge to wade in the chilly waterfall pool, and we didn't die. read more

Nice waterfall. You don't have to walk or hike to get to it. Drive right to it. Nice ride on the motorcycle. read more

Bald River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Tellico Plains, Tennessee

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Great views once you get there. Keep going until you reach the steps. Road is a little dicey coming up and 1 lane, so take it slow. But we'll worth it for the falls read more

Bald River Falls is a true natural wonder. I've visited about five times and it never ceases to amaze me. Last time, I saw a kayaker navigate his way down the steep waterfall, which I thought was impossible. We stayed at a cool cabin nearby called Pine Ridge Tellico www.pinerdgetellico.com. It was a great vacation. read more