Deep Creek Trail: hiking to the Deep Creek waterfalls

The route to Indian Creek Falls

Deep Creek Trail runs along Deep Creek in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just north of Bryson City and west of Cherokee, North Carolina. According to the National Park Service (NPS), the round trip to Indian Creek Falls is 1.6 mi (2.6 km), with an elevation gain of 160 ft (48.8 m). The route is a wide gravel path with occasional roots and rocks.

About 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from the start, the grade flattens near Tom Branch Falls, where there are five benches. About 0.4 mi (0.6 km) farther, you reach the Indian Creek Trail junction: turn right and walk 520 ft (161 m) to Indian Creek Falls, on your left. The NPS advises caution near the edge of the trail.

The three-waterfall loop

The NPS also describes a 2.4 mi (3.9 km) loop in the Deep Creek area that passes Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls. It starts with a short but steep climb to Juney Whank Falls, which you cross on a footbridge. The loop then joins Deep Creek Horse Trail, Deep Creek Trail and Indian Creek Trail, and returns to the trailhead on Deep Creek Trail. The NPS notes some steep sections, stairs and occasional roots and rocks.

Before you go

• Parking: at the end of Deep Creek Road, past Deep Creek Campground. A parking tag is required to park for more than 15 minutes: US$5 a day, US$15 a week or US$40 a year. The NPS states that the tag is not an entrance fee.
• Dogs: not allowed on this trail. In the park, only the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail permit leashed pets.
• Bikes: the NPS lists the lower Deep Creek Trail among the only three park trails where bicycles are allowed, along with the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails.
• Restrooms: at Deep Creek Campground, seasonally. The area also has a shaded picnic area.
• Water: the NPS does not recommend swimming or tubing in park waters.
• Reservations: none required for this trail.