Bald River Falls and Kahuna Falls - Cherokee National Forest

Bald River Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in East Tennessee. At 90 feet, it is also one of the highest. To access the falls from the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains, drive east on the Skyway (TN 165) for 5.0 miles then turn right on River Road (FS 210) and drive 6.2 miles to the bridge over Bald River. The waterfall will be on your right. Paved parking is available at the far end of the bridge.

To reach the 10-foot high Kahuna Falls, find the trailhead at the east end of the parking area at Bald River Falls. Follow the trail (Cherokee National Forest trail 88) up through a switchback, down a set of stairs, across a sturdy bridge to a vantage point above Bald River Falls. Kahuna Falls is just upstream of the vantage point. Although steep, the trail is very short and should not pose a problem for most visitors. Hiking around waterfalls can be dangerous, so please follow the Forest Service Waterfall Safety Checklist that I've copied below:

Preparing to Visit a National Forest - Waterfalls 

Waterfalls are popular places for viewing, picnicking and wading. While beautiful to see, they often pose risks to unprepared visitors. 

Slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall. 

• Know the potential hazards of waterfalls. 

•  Stay back from the edge. 

• Avoid slippery rocks. 

• Wear stable shoes and watch your footing. 

• Don’t jump off of waterfalls. 

• Don’t swim in waterfall pools. 

• Stay out of restricted areas. 

• Always carry a map of the area. 

• Wear proper attire. 

We visited in May 2017. Previous visits included June 2012, October 2012, April 2013, and June 2014.

Bald River Falls from FS 210

Bald River Falls from the road bridge

Bald River Falls from downstream

A closer view

CNF trail 88

Bench at switchback

Switchback

Rail post and chain fence

Top of the climb

Sturdy stairs for the descent

Remnants of old asphalt surface

Bridge over a gap in the rock

Upper cascades of Bald River Falls

Bald River between the falls

Kahuna Falls

Open level area above the falls

Cascade on Bald River

First long view upstream

Return to the trailhead parking area

The Cherokee National Forest Bald River Falls page is at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35130.

The national forest website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee.