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    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure

    Deep Creek Hiking Trails (Great Smoky Mountains)

    Published: May 8, 2022 · Modified: Oct 14, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Head to the Deep Creek hiking trails (in the south part of the Great Smoky Mountains) for short, scenic loops and peaceful waterfalls!

    Indian Creek Falls.
    Indian Creek Falls

    The Deep Creek trail system is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina.

    You can hike, camp, and even do a little bit of biking in this area. Check out the park service's website for details or to reserve a campsite!

    Don't forget that you'll need a paid parking pass for anywhere you stop for longer than 15 minutes. You can buy it online or when you arrive at the park.

    Deep Creek isn't quite as busy as some other areas of the park, so it's a great pick if you want to avoid crowds in the Smokies. In fact, there are tons of things to do on the North Carolina side of the park.

    The Deep Creek hiking trails feature several different interconnecting routes. The trails range from easy to moderate, and you can choose your own route to make a loop that suits you.

    I recommend taking a photo of the trail map! (Also, the Smoky Mountains Trail Map from National Geographic is a great one to have on hand.)

    Deep Creek Hiking Trail Sign.
    Deep Creek Trail Sign

    Looking for more brilliant hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains? See our guides to Abrams Falls, Sweat Heifer Creek Trail, Mount Leconte, and Charlies Bunion!

    Where to Begin on the Deep Creek Hiking Trails

    We opted to hike the 2.2-mile Three Waterfalls Trail. 

    If you prefer a shorter hike, it would be easy to simply hike to one of the waterfalls closest to the trailhead and then turn back.

    There’s also the longer “Deep Creek Indian Loop” trail (4.5 miles).

    We took the Three Waterfalls Trail in a clockwise loop, and started by heading towards Juney Whank Falls.

    Juney Whank Loop Trail Sign.
    Juney Whank Loop Trail Sign

    This section of trail is fairly easy and wide.

    Juney Whank Trail Sign.
    Juney Whank Trail Sign

    Head down the stairs to see Juney Whank Falls from a bridge that crosses the falls at about their halfway point.

    Juney Whank Falls.
    Juney Whank Falls

    Taking both the upper and lower section of the falls together, the water drops 90 feet in total.

    Juney Whank Falls.
    Juney Whank Falls

    When you're ready to head on, walk back up the stairs and continue on the loop.

    This next section of the trail has a steady incline.

    I like to go with a trekking pole for just such occasions. It helps a lot! If you're looking for poles that are higher-end, try the Black Diamond Alpine carbon trekking poles.

    Waterfall Loop Trail at Deep Creek.
    Waterfall Loop Trail

    It was also exceptionally pretty with wildflowers all around!

    Flowers Along Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Flowers Along the Trail
    Flowers Along the Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Flowers Along the Trail

    Juney Whank Falls to Indian Creek Falls

    Continue along the loop, following the signs that say "Deep Creek Horse Trail."

    When we got to a sign pointing to Indian Creek Falls, we turned right to head to the next waterfall.

    If you want to do the longer Deep Creek Indian Loop Trail, go left here.

    Trail Junction of Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Trail Junction

    The gently flowing water of the creek gives you a nice soundscape for your hike!

    Stream Along Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Stream Along the Trail

    When you cross the bridge pictured below, turn left to follow the signs for Indian Creek Falls.

    Bridge Along the Path on Deep Creek hiking trails.
    Bridge Along the Path

    The signs are detailed and clear, so it's pretty easy to figure out whatever length of loop hike you're comfortable with!

    Junction of Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Trail Junction

    Keep following the signs to see Indian Creek Falls.

    Indian Creek Falls sign.
    Indian Creek Falls Sign
    Indian Creek Falls.
    Indian Creek Falls

    A good spot for a little break!

    Indian Creek Falls to Tom Branch Falls

    When you're ready, turn around and head back towards the bridge.

    Then continue along the loop, this time following the signs for Tom Branch Falls.

    Waterfall Loop Trail at Deep Creek.
    Waterfall Loop Trail

    This section of the trail has lots of benches along the path in case you want to stop and rest. It's an inviting prospect!

    Benches Along the Path on Deep Creek Hiking Trails.
    Benches Along the Path

    If you’re visiting on a warm day, you might see people riding inner tubes down the creek.

    (The national park actually doesn't recommend swimming or tubing in any of their waterways. The river levels can rise swiftly if there's a storm up in the mountains! Even hikers are encouraged to be cautious near streams.)

    Floating Down Deep Creek.
    Floating Down Deep Creek

    Tom Branch Falls, your next destination, is right next to the trail.

    Tom Branch Falls Sign.
    Tom Branch Falls Sign

    When we were here, there were lots of people in the water and climbing on rocks near the falls.

    Tom Branch Falls are 60 feet high, and an easy hike from the parking lot, so expect this falls to be more crowded than the other two.

    Tom Branch Falls.
    Tom Branch Falls

    From here, it's a quick walk back to the trailhead.

    If you've brought your bike along, you can also ride it on the old roadbeds in this area. (The path to Tom Branch Falls, for instance.)

    Looking for a great upscale restaurant to finish off your day? I recommend Everett Hotel Bistro in nearby Bryson City!

    Have you explored the Deep Creek hiking trails yet? Let us know in the comments what route you took!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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