The falls is regarded as one of the most impressive and scenic waterfall in East Tennessee.

The river is short in length but powerful as it flows through a steep, densely wooded valley and it is constantly replenished by the area's frequent rains.

It rises just north of the North Carolina state line near the crest of the Unicoi Mountains and flows northeast for a short distance before turning to the northwest.

The forests of the Bald River basin and the Tellico River basin were almost completely logged by the Babcock Lumber Company during the early 20th century, from their local base of operation at Tellico Plains.

Along with the Bald River Gorge Wilderness to the north, most of the Bald River watershed is protected as a wilderness area and managed by the Cherokee National Forest.