Deep Creek Trail
WaterfallsViewsBackcountry camps
Along the way #53 Poke Patch #54 Nettle Creek #55 Pole Road #56 Burnt Spruce #57 Bryson Place #58 Nicks Nest Branch #59 Mc Cracken Branch #60 Bumgardener Branch Deep Creek Valley Overlook Tom Branch Falls
Trailheads Deep Creek Trail Trailhead 1,829 ft Drive there · Deep Creek Trail Trailhead 4,762 ft Drive there · Juney Whank Falls Trail Trailhead 1,821 ft Drive there
Hike Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls 1.6 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
no dogs · entrance fee applies
Overview
Hike 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip along Deep Creek, which features views of two waterfalls, Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. The trail is a wide, gravel path with occasional roots and rocks. At approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km), the trail flattens out near Tom Branch Falls. Take in the view on one of five benches before proceeding an additional 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to the Indian Creek Trail junction. After crossing the footbridge , there are three creek-side benches and one bench further up the trail with an elevated overlook of Deep Creek. Turn right at the junction with Indian Creek Trail and proceed 520 feet (161 m) to Indian Creek Falls on the left side of the trail. Proceed up-trail to see the waterfall below. Use caution when close to the edge of the trail.
Length
1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain
160 ft (48.8 m)
Parking & Trailhead
Park at the end of Deep Creek Road to access the Deep Creek Trailhead past the Deep Creek Campground. Don't forget your parking tag .
Nearest Restroom
Deep Creek Campground (available seasonally)
Alternate Hikes
Take a longer route with the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop 2.4 miles (3.9 km) roundtrip
Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip
Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip
Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.
Accessibility This section of trail has been assessed using the High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) to provide objective information such as grade and slope. GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis for this section of trail. The trail is a wide, gravel path with occasional roots and rocks. Use descriptions, maps, and photos to determine which hikes are suitable for you. For information about the reservation process and other trail segments where GRIT Freedom Chairs can be used, visit the trail accessibility page.
Hike the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop 2.4 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up
no dogs · entrance fee applies
Overview
Hike a loop of 2.4 miles (3.9 km) around the Deep Creek area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reach three waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls (pictured above), Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.
Detailed directions: From the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road past the Deep Creek Campground, take the steep but short trail to Juney Whank Falls. Cross the falls on a footbridge and continue 300 feet (91 m) to the trail junction. Turn right, then left, and follow Deep Creek Horse Trail toward Deep Creek Trail.
At the junction with Deep Creek Trail, turn right and proceed 0.1 mile (0.2 km) to Indian Creek Trail. Follow Indian Creek Trail 200 feet (61 m) to Indian Creek Falls, then backtrack to Deep Creek Trail, turn left, and follow it back to the trailhead where you started. You will pass Tom Branch Falls 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from Indian Creek Falls. Bring a map for reference.
Length
2.4 miles (3.9 km) roundtrip
Parking & Trailhead
Park at the end of Deep Creek Road to access the Deep Creek Trailhead past the Deep Creek Campground. Don't forget your parking tag .
Nearest Restroom
Deep Creek Campground (available seasonally)
Alternate Hikes
Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip
Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip
Oconaluftee River Trail : 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip
Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.
Accessibility Hike has some steep sections, stairs, and occasional roots/rocks on the trail.