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    Soco Falls

    4.6 (38 reviews)

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    Ashley L.

    Soco Falls was amazing. This was a very short hike to the waterfall, around 3 minutes. I wouldn't recommend taking any small children since the path is still quite steep. There is an option to climb down to the waterfall and they do have a rope you can hold on to. I recommend good hiking sneakers because some of the rocks are slippery. The view and the whole area are just beautiful and it is worth the stop. It's the easiest hike I've ever done with such a rewarding gem. There are also many people coming and going. Everyone I encountered was friendly.

    Joshua L.

    Soco falls is located off the side of the highway in the eastbound lane on the outside of town. Please slow down as your likely to miss it if you're not careful. Once you get there take the hike down the side of the mountain ledge, and you will be rewarded with a serine scene comprising two waterfalls and a canopy of greenery. Difficulty: Not anyone can make it down the side of the cliff. Someone has installed ropes along the side which are very helpful and, in some spots, needed. It can be rather steep at times and somewhat slippery. I would not recommend this hike for anyone with ankle or joint problems, but you don't have to be an expert to participate. Attractions: Two waterfalls converge into a mountain stream to create a beautiful scene. There is also a large wooden observation platform you can climb down to if you don't feel like going all the way down the creekbead. Overall: Short hike down a cliff side that will provide good exercise and breathtaking views. Use caution but not too difficult many families with kids were out there enjoying the falls.

    Bear K.

    Beautiful water fall that comes with a challenging path of access. If you have mobility issues or are afraid of heights it's probably best not to go all the way down. But you can enjoy the view from the deck when you get about 1/3 of the way there. Parking lot has limited spots.

    It's me ! Ha ha . I love to hike , especially waterfalls . I have hiked all over Nevada mostly , but also Montana and the Carolinas . 2010
    Tracy L.

    Very Cool Waterfalls I just realized that I had not done a review of this place and I just visited the mountains in September to see family . I have done this hike a couple of times and it is a short one , but can be a little slippery , so make sure you have the right shoes . They do have some ropes to help guide you and a lookout platform . The parking lot is small , only holds less than 10 cars and you can easily pass it if you don't know where to look . My son did this hike with me in 2010 , so I included our pictures . It is very cool .

    Steep as hell!
    Toni G.

    A short drive from our hotel and literally ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY! Once I saw people using ropes to get to the bottom I was content to just stay on the platform. It is beautiful, but a bit too risky for me to venture into the steep steep slippery narrow trail. Kudos to those who can!

    Path down
    Ward D.

    A challenging hike down but worth the view. This is NOT located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is off the parkway on a road that intersected the parkway called Soco road (aka SR 19 or Wolfetowne road). There is parking right on the edge of this road but the parking is very limited. There is a pullout that fits maybe 10 cars along the side of the road that the falls are on. There are at least 2 ways or levels from which you can see the falls. You proceed down a narrow path leading down to a platform that allows you to see the falls from below the road with a good view of the river and the falls. This path is a narrow dirt path that can be a little tricky but leads to a wooden platform where you can relax, take pictures and enjoy the view. The adventurous can continue down the really steep part that had several ropes to allow the visitors to traverse this part. It is one of the hardest hikes I have ever been on to see any falls in the United States. It is a very nice view from the bottom by the river. Remember that you still have to get back up to get to your car. Overall, I would recommend this set of falls for anyone wanting a pretty view and a unique challenge. Be careful and enjoy!

    Danielle P.

    Stopped here on my way to Cherokee, NC. This is a short hike down to the falls, literally about 80 steps. You can see the falls at the top if you dont wanna take the short hike down. Lovely and breath taking, I will visit again in the Spr/ Summer mths. This is worth a stop for sure. Every yr in the spr I take a WaterFallin Vacay to upper SC, so this was perfect stop along the way! If you havent been to Upper SC you are missing out on beautiful state prks and outdoorsy fun!

    No H.

    Great short hike in Maggie Valley, NC. Boyfriend and I went up for the weekend to spend some time with his parents in Cherokee and decided on our last day to go out and see a few waterfalls that didn't involve a long hike. This was the second of the two we visited. Right off the highway is where it's located. Pull over and park then head down to the falls. Going down was easy but climbing back up is some work. There are ropes tied to the trees to help the climb back up. This is two waterfalls semi facing each other. The sun was beaming through one of the falls and made it even more beautiful. You're close enough to the falls you can touch the water or get a close up photo with the waterfall on you. We decided to stay dry. If you're looking for something very short, this fall is a great choice. There's also an overlook if you don't want to climb down to the foot of the falls.

    Lila N.

    Wow so stunning. It's a pretty straight down to the bottom of the falls extremely straining. If not to much in shape can go to the observation deck. It's really a view. A must see..

    Quawnishia M.

    In comparison to "Mingo Falls", this was also great. However the trek was a little more difficult than Mingo. If you can climb rocks and don't have an issue with heights than this one is for you. I didn't give it 5 stars because it had the potential for accidents unlike Mingo. There was also ropes that were tied from tree to tree all the way down, just so there is something to hold on to. This fall had many levels and different views, it was very pretty. Many picture taking moments.

    Janell J.

    Amazing sight! Just steps from the highway. This waterfall was a beautiful sight and a big of a thrill to get to (well, for someone from a larger flat city, this was a "thrill" to "climb" down to). It was so peaceful and gorgeous. The two waterfalls merging was picture perfect. This was the highlight of my visit to North Carolina!

    Richard R.

    Soco Falls is actually two separate waterfalls (fed by two different rivers) falling in one location. That alone makes it cool and unique, although we do have a couple of waterfalls like that back in Georgia. One being very popular Anna Ruby Falls and the other being Duke's Creek falls. One advantage this waterfall has is location, which is directly next to the roadway. There's no real hiking to speak of so access is fairly easy. But the disadvantage is the trail to the falls or its wooden overlook is not very well-maintained. The trail is steep and slick in areas, so you'll need to use a set of DIY-looking ropes alongside the trail to keep from hurting yourself. Although it hadn't rained in a few days, the trail was very muddy. The two waterfalls are roughly 18 and 35 feet tall respectively. Overall they are worth making a pitstop if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway or visiting the Asheville area. I would not recommend trying to climb down to the base for families with small children or seniors with little upper body strength. They could however make it to the observation deck without the need of ropes. If you are looking for a waterfall CLOSER to Asheville, Catawba Falls is not only more beautiful, it's enormous in size. However, you will have to hike a fairly easy trail about one mile to see it. Enjoy 2018/95

    By Soph.
    Amy S.

    I know, I know...how can I only give four out of five stars to a waterfall?! Because of litter! While this waterfall is gorgeous, its environs are not. Someone needs to clean up the place. One website advised waterfall lovers to descend carefully, as there is a lot of broken glass on the banks and on the adjacent rocks. I don't get it- "Sweetie pie, wouldn't it be romantic if we established this romantic moment/nature rapture/family bonding with the sound of breaking glass?". We missed this spot going toward Cherokee, and almost missed it going the opposite direction. The lookout parking area is sorta small, so it is easy to miss. The sign is blue and small. Leaving Maggie, go past the entrance to the parkway. It is about one and a half miles down the road on the leftside. The walk down was fine, but the walk up. I did not realize how steep it was. There is no railing, so toddlers need to be watched. It is not wheelchair accessible. There is a viewing platform that Brittany and Connor once stood upon and threw their empty beer bottles from, after proclaiming their love with a Sharpie. There are also ropes to help daredevils get closer. This is a climber's mantra- "Wet rock is slippery rock." Remember that. It is loud in the early spring. Very exhilarating and makes you feel alive. The winter is also a good time to see this double fall, as there are no leaves to block the view. The Cherokee used these falls as an entrance to their land and as an ambush base. Feel free to enter and attack litterbugs!

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    2 years ago

    It is a little steep but worth. I am 63 and had to be careful is all it is worth the walk and it is very short distance.

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    3 years ago

    Love hiking. It's beautiful there. Not much parking so go during the week. It's best when it snows.

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    Review Highlights - Soco Falls

    I missed the pull off heading from Maggie Valley toward Cherokee but after a quick turn around, spotted the blue signs.

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    Purchase Knob - Trail signs

    Purchase Knob

    5.0(2 reviews)
    16.4 km

    This has been our favourite walk forever. Do not let the couple of bad characters hinder you from…read morethis beautiful hike, because getting to the top is its own reward with sheer beauty. This property was donated to the state park and open to all. Very clean and well-kept trails, dog friendly, and a nice place to rest and relax, including restrooms at the science centre.

    I discovered this place through my daughter. She has gone here twice- once through her middle…read moreschool, and once through a local camp. She raved about it, and we finally got a chance to check it out. So happy we did! Purchase Knob was generously donated by the McNeil-Gilmore family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is 535 acres of land that rises ultimately to 5,086 feet at the knob. In the meadow below the knob, at 4,850 feet, there are two buildings housing offices, a lab, a classroom for fifty students, and housing for up to eight scientists. Views are 180 degrees. You can hit the Cataloochee Divide Trail here, too. A refurbished cabin originally from the 1870s is nearby, which I will get to in a bit. When you get to the park, you will be blocked by a gate with a sign to the left identifying the park. It is open once in a while for scheduled visits/field trip students. It is easy to get your vehicle locked within the park. (People cannot get locked in.) Park your car on the sides of the road. Just walk around the gate if it is locked. Bring water, and a jacket in the spring or fall. The 2.5 mile round trip trail is basically a wide, dirt road that will eventually lead up to the main buildings. It is well maintained. When you get a glimpse of the building at the top, you will also see a grass trail leading upwards. I would take that trail. It is a shortcut. If you like to walk, just keep going, and the road will eventually lead to the building as well. On the way up, you will see many types of wildflowers. We heard (up) and spotted a hawk (down). I got a photo of nightshade, all the while with my body centimeters from a hidden cliff edge. Be careful on grassy edges! The open areas and tree-filled areas were of equal beauty. In early September I saw purples, greens, grays, and yellows, all framed by a clear blue sky graced by fluffy clouds. Your soul will take this in, and it will hold on to it. When we got to the top, we relaxed. We did not go to the knob proper. We used the very clean bathrooms, and laid down in the field right in front of the buildings. There is a water fountain. You are allowed on the deck, but not in the buildings unless you are with a scheduled group. There are picnic tables grouped close together, and bear-proof trashcans and recycling bins. You can check out the outside of the weather station that is a bit away. I would not traipse around the adjacent fields. I saw tagged plants and left that area so that we would not screw up any data. If you decide to go to the actual knob, you have to blaze your own trail. As of two days ago, the footbridge leading to Cataloochee was out. There is a sign warning of that; be careful crossing creeks. Anyway, that trail is easy to find; just look for signs. Check out the bulletin board for lists of the types of birds and butterflies that you can see there. I saw (possibly) a Cloudless skipper. It was fluorescent yellow! My first. To get down to the restored Ferguson cabin, just leave via the "grass carpet" trail. Make an obvious right and hitch your horse, or kids. This right will lead you to the cabin. The Fergusons were the first farmers to have an elevated farm. Their apples are still there. Do not pick anything. Do not get in the boar trap. Do not get near bears. Do not bother the cow spirits. Call to make sure horses are indeed still allowed. Bears and boars can hurt you. We leave all snacks in the car. You never know. Call the general number to see if bear activity is intense before going to this park. Middle school and up teachers, call this number to schedule a visit: 828-926-6251. This park welcomes wimpy and tough hikers mid-March through November. Call if you have a desire to hike in the deep winter. Remember to check out the Purchase Knob WebCam online for weather and views. To get to this park, take Exit 20, stay on 276 South for five miles. Get on Hemphill Road and stay on Hemphill Road for four miles. This review is dedicated to my daughter Sophie, a quick, beautiful trailblazer.

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    Purchase Knob
    Purchase Knob - Furbaby friendly

    Furbaby friendly

    Purchase Knob - Coral mushroom. Fall 2017.

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    Coral mushroom. Fall 2017.

    Soco Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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