Water wonders: Bald River Falls

October 11, 10:41 PMKnoxville Day Trips ExaminerClayton Hensley

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Just before the Bald River meets the Tellico River in Monroe County TN something magical happens.  Coming off the mountainside, the Bald River takes a dramatic 80 foot drop over a slab of rock before rushing into the wild Tellico River.  This is a great sidetrip off the Cherohala Skyway a 36 mile long scenic drive between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC.

Bald River Falls is about 5 miles off the Cherohala Skyway on Tellico River Road (FR 210).  This is a paved road nestled between the river and the mountain inside the expansive Cherokee National Forest. Don't plan on taking this road at 60 miles an hour!  You will know you are at Bald River Falls when you cross a bridge and see the falls on your right.  There is a parking lot on the other side of the bridge.  From here you can enjoy the view from the bridge or walk down under it to get a closer view of Bald River's magical drop.

Upon my visit to Bald River Falls, there were a few brave souls who did hike up to the top of the falls.  Personally this wasn't something I wanted to try with kids, so I didn't really pay attention on how to get up there, but I'm sure it provides and interesting perspective.  For myself and my kids, the view from the base of the falls was spectacular enough.  It also gave us a chance to watch some of the aquatic life in action including a few crawdads lurking under the rocks.

There are no facilities at Bald River Falls and parking is limited.  That means no picnic tables and no bathrooms.  This is a popular attraction so be prepared.  Continuing on FR 210 you will reach FR 217, a gravel road that takes you back to the Cherohala Skyway on the NC side.  I did not take this road, but it is a recommended route on the National Forest website.  Tellico Plains, TN is the nearest town to Bald River Falls.  There are several places there to stock up on supplies if needed before making the trip.