Hike the Deep Creek Loop
4.9 Miles
892 Feet
Fitness, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
The Deep Creek Loop Trail near Bryson City, NC is a nice hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three waterfalls and a beautiful stream along the trip. There are many opportunities for camping, horseback riding, and fishing here as well. Bryson City, NC is only a few miles away.
After parking in the Deep Creek Campground parking lot follow the signs for the Deep Creek Trailhead. The Tom Branch waterfall is just .3 miles on the right side. Hike another .5 miles, at the next intersection stay right, and you will approach Indian Creek Falls. After viewing the falls you can choose to continue straight up the Indian Creek Trail or go back down to the intersection and journey to Juney Whank Falls via the Three Waterfalls Loop trail. Three waterfalls loop is 2.2 miles and the Indian Creek Loop is 4.5 miles with a slight elevation change. The trails are marked very well with mileage along with a map at the trailhead.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Hidden Gem
This hike is great but it's also amazing for fly fishing. Hike a mile or two up the trail to get away from the crowds and get in the river. Native rainbows can be found but will be tough to catch. Multiple waterfalls along the hike are a perk as well. Really wonderful area, but can get crowded on weekends. Also on a hot summer day you can rent tubes from nearby and float down the lower half of the river.
