Soco Falls

Categories: Kid-Friendly, Waterfalls, Outdoor Fun, Senior Friendly Waterfalls

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Highlights

Family Friendly Area
Short walk down trail to wooden viewing platform
Double falls come together to create Soco Creek's headwaters
Access to bottom of falls for adventurous ONLY (not for children due to broken glass on creek bank)
Blue Ridge Parkway access 1.5 miles past falls
You are at the Cherokee Indian Reservation Boundary/Jackson Co. & Haywood Co. line

The Local Scoop

Soco Falls are a family friendly set of falls to explore. A new viewing platform has been added in the last year or so (2008), giving the falls much easier access that the whole family can enjoy, including seniors. The short path down to the falls is a gradual descent and not too steep. You'll want to avoid some obvious "cut through" trails that others have formed, they are steep and dangerous and should be avoided.
There are two sets of falls that form Soco Creek and to get a better view of both of them together, you'll have to do a little scrambling to get to the bottom. We suggest that only adults in good physical shape and aren't afraid of getting a little dirty attempt this. The creek bank on the way down is littered with broken glass due to litter bug habits over the years (this area was notorious for illegal dumping before the new platform was completed). So, if you decide to get a better view, it will be a bit dangerous and muddy, but try to not let that deter you from visiting these great falls.
Once at the bottom, you'll have a wonderful view of both cascading streams that come together at your feet. This is a nice little gem to visit if you're staying in the Cherokee area or just passing through on the Blue Ridge Parkway MP (milepost) 456.0 at Soco Gap.
Soco Gap was used by the Cherokees in the 1700's as the main entrance to their land from the North and the East. They used it as an outpost for ambush as well.

The Local Directions

Driving West on N.C. Hwy 74/23 from Asheville/Waynesville/Sylva/Dillsboro take Exit 74 towards Cherokee & GSMNP. Stay straight until the 2nd red light & welcome sign for Cherokee Indian Reservation (McDonalds at corner), take this Right until you come to another red light in front of "Harrah's Cherokee Casino". Take a Right onto Hwy 19 towards Soco Gap & Maggie Valley. Go appox. 9.8 miles to pull-off for falls on your Right.