Bryson City and Deep Creek
Bryson City and Deep Creek Hikes
Deep Creek, on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, packs three waterfalls into a few miles of trail. It is one of the most convenient waterfall areas in the park, and the short distances make it suitable for a half-day outing.
This page uses the National Park Service's trail descriptions for the Deep Creek area. One fact worth knowing before you go: the park's official position is that swimming and tubing are not recommended in Deep Creek.
Compare the Routes
Each trail below is listed by distance and its main draw.
Trail
Distance
Difficulty
Highlight
Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls
A little over 1 mi one way
Not rated by the NPS
Two waterfalls, Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls; about 160 ft of gain
Part of the Deep Creek route
Not rated by the NPS
25-ft waterfall, the third and farthest of the trio
2.4 mi round trip
Not rated by the NPS
Three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Indian Creek, and Tom Branch
Deep Creek Trail (lower section)
See the NPS trail page
Not rated by the NPS
One of the few park trails open to bicycles
Top Picks by What You Want
Grouping the same trails by intent makes the choice faster if you already know what kind of outing you want.
Best for a single waterfall
Juney Whank Falls has a short, steep trail to an 80-foot waterfall.
Best for two waterfalls
The Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls runs a little over a mile one way to two waterfalls.
Best for all three
The Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop (2.4 mi round trip) links Juney Whank, Indian Creek, and Tom Branch Falls.
Route Details
Juney Whank Falls Juney Whank Falls is an 80-foot waterfall at the end of a short, steep trail.
Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls This route runs a little over a mile one way to two waterfalls, Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls, with about 160 feet of elevation gain.
Indian Creek Falls Indian Creek Falls is a 25-foot waterfall and the third and farthest of the three main falls in the area.
Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop The Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop is a 2.4-mile round trip that visits three waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.
Deep Creek Trail (lower section) The lower section of Deep Creek Trail is one of the few trails in the park where bicycles are allowed, according to the National Park Service.
Parking, Fees, and What to Know Before You Go
Deep Creek Picnic Area has 58 reservable sites and is close to several waterfalls and fishing spots, per the National Park Service. Check the NPS Great Smoky Mountains site for current closures and parking information before you go.
The National Park Service's official position is that swimming and tubing are not recommended in Deep Creek. Plan the outing around the trails, not the water.
Best Season
The National Park Service's Deep Creek pages do not tie these trails to a season, so check current conditions on the day you go. Waterfalls can look very different depending on recent rainfall, and the trails can be slippery when wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfalls are at Deep Creek? Three are featured on the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop: Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.
Can I swim or tube at Deep Creek? The National Park Service's official position is that swimming and tubing are not recommended in Deep Creek.
How long is the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop? The loop is 2.4 miles round trip and visits three waterfalls.
Can I bike at Deep Creek? The lower section of Deep Creek Trail is one of the few trails in the park open to bicycles.
Explore Full Write-Ups
Each trail above has its own detailed guide with directions and trip notes.
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