Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its breathtaking waterfalls. They are all different sizes, and it is fun to watch the water rush into the pool below. Want to see some of them on the North Carolina side of the Smokies? You just have to take a short hike in the Deep Creek area! Here is your guide to hiking the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop:
| Trail Length | 4.6 Miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trail Highlights | Waterfalls, Biking |
Directions to Trailhead
The trailhead for the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop is located north of Bryson City, North Carolina. You can reach it from the intersection of Route 441 and Route 19 in Cherokee. Drive for 10 miles on Route 19 until you reach Everett Street. Turn right and continue for a short distance to take another right on Depot Street. Take a left onto Ramseur Street, and then you’ll go right onto Deep Creek Road. Drive for 2.3 miles to the national park entrance and then another half-mile to the trailhead. Make sure to get a Smoky Mountain parking tag for your vehicle before heading out on the trail.
Trail Description
The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop is about 4.6 miles roundtrip. The terrain is a wide path with some uphill terrain. The trek will be worth it when you pass 3 breathtaking waterfalls. The first one is the 80-foot Tom Branch Falls. It is located only one-tenth of a mile from the trailhead. Many visitors enjoy swimming and tubing in the section of the creek around this waterfall! The next waterfall you’ll encounter is Indian Creek Falls, less than a mile from the trailhead. While it is on the shorter side, this Deep Creek waterfall is still beautiful; plus, you’ll find lots of beautiful wildflowers during the spring and summer. The last and tallest waterfall on the trail is Juney Whank Falls, which is an impressive 90 feet tall. You’ll find it on a short spur trail near the end of the loop at around 3.7 miles from the trailhead. It is named after a man who is thought to be buried in the area!
After Your Hike
While you can conquer the trail on foot, you can also experience the Deep Creek Loop Trail via bicycle. You can bring your own bike or use one of the park’s rentals. After your hike to see the Deep Creek waterfalls, you’ll want to stay in the area for a little longer! You can go tubing or even just splash your feet in the cool water–a great way to keep cool in the summer. You can also stay on the banks to fish! Just make sure you have a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license! After all those activities, regain your strength with a nice homemade picnic lunch. Talk about all the memories from the day and get a closer look at the scenery!
Now you know all about the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop. Want to know about some secret waterfalls most people don’t know exist? Read about hidden waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains!
