Right now
Right now as of Nov 3, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Fee: no fee listed.
Status note (Nov 3, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on Nov 3, 2026 the USFS Bald River Falls page said "Bald River Falls is now open" (page last updated June 10, 2025). It adds that visitation is high and asks you to plan your trip accordingly. What the status labels mean
Bald River Falls is a 90-foot waterfall in Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, per the Forest Service. On Nov 3, 2026, the Forest Service page said the falls are "now open." You see them from the Bald River Falls Bridge on Tellico River Road (FR 210). No hike is needed. The site was closed from August 2023 for repairs and a bridge replacement. Parking is limited, so weekdays are best.
About Bald River Falls
The Forest Service gives the height plainly: "The 90 foot high Bald River Falls." Wikipedia notes that reported heights range from 80 to 100 feet, but the official figure is 90 feet.
The falls are in the Cherokee National Forest in Monroe County, upstream from Tellico Plains. Wikipedia and Recreation.gov say you view them from the Bald River Falls Bridge on Tellico River Road.
Why Bald River Falls was closed
Access to the falls was closed for a long stretch. A Forest Service news release said the site had been closed since August 2023 for extensive repairs and upgrades, including replacing the Bald River Falls Bridge.
The site has since reopened. The Forest Service page, last updated June 10, 2025, now says: "Bald River Falls is now open with high visitation. Plan your trip accordingly."
Getting there and parking
The Forest Service says Bald River Falls is "easily accessed from Tellico River Road (NFRS 210)." From Tellico Plains, turn onto TN 165 for about 5 miles. Then turn right onto FR 210, going past the Ranger Station.
The falls are 6 miles upstream on the right, per USFS. Wikipedia and Recreation.gov say you see them from the Bald River Falls Bridge, so no hike is needed for the main view.
Parking at the falls
"Parking is limited, and visitor use is high on weekends and holidays," the Forest Service says. "If possible, plan your visit during weekdays."
The Forest Service page lists no fee and no restrooms, and it says potable water is not available. Bring water and take care of a restroom stop before you leave Tellico Plains.
Other Tennessee falls on this site include Abrams Falls, Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Ruby Falls. Our Tennessee waterfalls guide lists the rest.
Map and nearby falls
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OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Bald River Trail #88
Length: "Trail #88, Bald River is approximately 5.6-miles one way," the Forest Service says. It runs from the parking area at Bald River Falls on FR 210 to FR 126 (Bald River Road), near Holly Flats Campground.
The start: from the falls parking area, the trail follows an old logging railroad grade. USFS says the first part is marked by narrow gauge railroad track posts connected by logging chains, to encourage visitors to stay on the trail.
Out and back or shuttle: the Forest Service says you can hike out and back. You can also arrange to be picked up at the trail's end on Forest Road 126.
The Forest Service does not give a distance to the top of the falls. Stay on the marked trail and keep off the rocks at the river's edge.
Before you hike
The Bald River Gorge page carries an active "Campsite limitations" alert. Read it on the official page if you plan to camp along the route.
There is no potable water on the trail, per USFS. Carry enough for the whole day, especially if you plan the full 5.6 miles each way.
When to visit
Visitor use is high on weekends and holidays, the Forest Service says, so a weekday is the easier time to find parking.
We found no official statement on the best season, flow or winter road conditions on Tellico River Road. Check with the Tellico Ranger District before a winter trip.
The Forest Service page was last updated June 10, 2025, and it still showed the falls open on Nov 3, 2026.
| Height | 90 ftNote: per the Forest Service; Wikipedia says reported heights range from 80 to 100 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Roadside view from the Bald River Falls Bridge on Tellico River Road (FR 210). Bald River Trail #88 starts at the falls parking area and runs about 5.6 mi one way to FR 126 near Holly Flats Campground (USFS) |
| Difficulty | No hike needed for the view from the bridge; the Forest Service pages we read give no difficulty rating for Trail #88 |
| Entry fee | No fee is listed on the USFS Bald River Falls page. |
| Permit / reservation | No permit listed; parking is limited and busy on weekends and holidays |
| Parking | Limited; weekdays suggested (USFS) |
| Dogs | No dog rule is listed on the USFS Bald River Falls page |
| Swimming | No rule is listed on the USFS Bald River Falls page; view the falls from the bridge and stay off the rocks |
| Wheelchair / stroller | The falls are seen from the bridge on FR 210; USFS does not describe accessibility |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | None listed on the USFS page, which says potable water is not available |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; USFS suggests weekdays because visitor use is high on weekends and holidays |
| Crowds | High on weekends and holidays, per USFS |
| Managed by | U.S. Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest (Tellico Ranger District) |
Safety and swimming
The Forest Service page does not state a swimming rule. That is not the same as saying the water is safe.
View the falls from the bridge, and keep off the rocks around the river. Hold children's hands on the bridge.
On Trail #88, the Forest Service marks the first section with posts and chains to keep hikers on the trail. Stay inside them.
Watch for traffic on Tellico River Road as you walk from your parking spot. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the Forest Service before you go.
Where to stay near Bald River Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Tellico Plains.
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Photos
Bald River Falls FAQ
Can you drive up to Bald River Falls?
Yes. Wikipedia and Recreation.gov say the falls are seen from the Bald River Falls Bridge on Tellico River Road (FR 210). The Forest Service says parking is limited and busy on weekends and holidays.
Why was Bald River Falls closed?
A Forest Service news release said the site had been closed since August 2023 for extensive repairs and upgrades, including replacing the Bald River Falls Bridge. The site has since reopened, and the Forest Service page now says Bald River Falls "is now open."
Can you hike at Bald River Falls?
Yes. Bald River Trail #88 starts at the falls parking area and runs about 5.6 miles one way up the gorge to FR 126, per the Forest Service. You can hike out and back or arrange a pickup at the end.
How tall is Bald River Falls?
90 feet, according to the Forest Service. Wikipedia notes that reported heights range from 80 to 100 feet.
Is there a fee for Bald River Falls?
No fee is listed on the Forest Service page. The page also says potable water is not available, so bring your own.
Can you swim at Bald River Falls?
The Forest Service page does not state a swimming rule. View the falls from the bridge and stay off the rocks around the river.
Are dogs allowed at Bald River Falls?
The Forest Service page lists no dog rule. Check with the Tellico Ranger District if you plan to bring one.
Nearby waterfalls
Abrams Falls26 mi straight-lineOpen25FT
Laurel Falls41 mi straight-lineClosed80FT
Helton Creek Falls43 mi straight-lineOpen100FT COMBINED, 100+
High Shoals Falls43 mi straight-lineOpen
Raven Cliff Falls47 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
Anna Ruby Falls47 mi straight-lineOpen153FT
Grotto Falls48 mi straight-lineOpen25FT
Amicalola Falls52 mi straight-linePartly open729FT
Mingo Falls53 mi straight-lineOpen120FT
Dry Falls56 mi straight-lineOpen75FT
Bridal Veil Falls56 mi straight-lineOpen45FT
Glen Falls57 mi straight-lineOpen70FT
City guides: Waterfalls near Blue Ridge, GA · Waterfalls near Chattanooga, TN · Waterfalls near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
On these lists: Roadside waterfalls
Sources
Some facts credited to the Forest Service news release come from search-result excerpts of its official pages. Confirm fees and rules on the official site.
- USFS Cherokee National Forest: Bald River Falls (updated June 10, 2025; read Nov 3, 2026)
- USFS Cherokee National Forest: Bald River Gorge Day Hike, Trail #88 (updated Mar 21, 2025; read Nov 3, 2026)
- Recreation.gov: Bald River Falls
- Wikipedia: Bald River Falls
Last verified Nov 3, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with U.S. Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest (Tellico Ranger District) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.