The 90-foot-high Bald River Falls is recognized as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region.
The Bald River is a major tributary of the Tellico River, located in the southern district of the Cherokee National Forest. The Bald River empties into the Tellico River and cascades over rocks forming a large waterfall, Bald River Falls, reported to be 90 to 100 feet high. The waterfall is easily visible from a bridge across the river on the scenic Tellico River Road (Forest Service Road 210). The location is about six miles from the turn-off for the Cherohala Skyway (TN State Road 165), just past the Osterneck overlook.
The Tellico River Road, which was built on an old logging road, winds along the Tellico River for the entire drive. One can expect to see large boulders, majestic rock formations, fast flowing whitewater, and a lush green forest along the way. This river is not dam controlled by the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority), so the water ebbs and flows in its natural state, which makes it even prettier. The historic Tellico District Ranger Station, built as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, s on this road. If you continue on past the waterfall, you come to Green Cove, which is a fish camp. The road then dead ends into the Pheasant Fields fish rearing pools where visitors view the trout raised for stocking the river.
The area isn’t congested, and is located outside the rural town of Tellico Plains. However, one should expect to encounter motorcyclists and sightseers during the busy fall and summer months. The majority of kayaks and canoeists come to the river in the spring, since it is best paddled after a rainfall. There are no commercial outfitters on the Tellico River.
It is easily accessed from Tellico River Road (NFRS 210), and provides outstanding photographic opportunities. Parking is limited, and visitor use is high on weekends and holidays. If possible, plan your visit during weekdays.
