Great Smoky Mountains National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Indian Creek Trail

3.7 mi of trail, end to end · Hike Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls: 1.6 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 700 ft of climbing · 1,893 ft–2,623 ft · native surface · trail class Developed

Waterfalls

2,020 ft 2,416 ft · 2.1 mi high 2,416 ft

Along the way Indian Creek Falls

Hike Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls 1.6 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · entrance fee applies

A bridge over a stream in the forest. Hiker icon in corner.
Hike 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip on the Deep Creek Trail to see Indian Creek Falls Photo: NPS Photo

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.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 244 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.