You might just drive by if you aren’t on the lookout for the pull off for Soco Falls, but a stop is well worth the reward to see this double waterfall.
There is limited parking, and it’s a climb down that isn’t for everyone to see the falls as the footing is a bit difficult. For those who are up for an adventure though, Soco Falls is quite a fun, short little hike.
Driving from downtown Cherokee, follow Hwy 19 past the casino, past Granny’s Kitchen and on up Soco Gap on the way to Maggie Valley. The climb up is a nice drive on its own. The pull-off to the right is about 11 miles east of Cherokee. (From Maggie Valley, the pull off is about 1.5 miles past the Blue Ridge Parkway on the left.)
It’s a short, moderately difficult hike about 100 feet or so that brings you down to a nicely constructed platform with a nice view of the falls.
A recent Saturday drew a handful of visitors including young couples, families with small children, hikers with dogs and a few bikers.
Those who dare can get a closer view of the falls from below by climbing down a rocky, steep trail that includes rope handrails for balance. The view of the double falls is quite spectacular, particularly from below.