Bald River Falls

Please note: Bald River Falls is currently closed due to bridge repair. Completion is now scheduled for the middle/end of May 2025.

If you’re looking for a spectacular, family friendly waterfall in Tennessee, then Bald River Falls is for you! This beautiful 90 foot waterfall is roadside. Bald River Falls is located in the Unicoi Range of mountains near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line.

The Tellico Plains region of the Cherokee National Forest has several waterfalls throughout the area. Bald River Falls is one of my favorites. The falls are easily visible from a bridge across the river. There is also a short, easy trail at the end of the parking lot that will take you to the top of Bald River Falls.

Bald River Falls is very easy to find. It is located on Tellico River Road (FS210). There is a turn off for Tellico River Road on the south side of the Cherohala Skyway. It is just east of Osterneck overlook, which was built on an old logging railroad bed, and winds closely along the shore of the Tellico River.

Bald River Falls is just a few miles down from the historic Tellico District Ranger Station, built as a Civilian Conservation Corps project.

Try to visit Bald River Falls on a weekday or early in the morning as parking is limited. It is very busy on weekends and holidays and can be harder to find a parking space and take photos.

Just down the road from Bald River Falls, about 0.5 miles, is another roadside waterfall, Baby Falls. Baby Falls is a small waterfall, but very scenic and worth the short trip down the road.