Smokies

   Deep Creek
 





Deep Creek Description

The Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best know for water activities including nice streams and waterfalls. The streams are ideal for tubing, fishing, wading, and swimming. The 3 waterfalls are easily accessible by short hikes on well-maintained trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on some portions of the trails. There is also a large campground and picnic area at Deep Creek. Deep Creek is located 3 miles from the small town of Bryson City, NC. From Bryson City, follow the signs 3 miles to Deep Creek. The last mile and half is gravel.

Deep Creek Hiking

The most popular hikes at Deep Creek are the 3 short trails that lead to waterfalls.

  • Tom's Branch Falls is just a short distance up the Deep Creek trail. The Deep Creek trail continues for 15 miles. The trailhead is at the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road. The walk to the falls is an easy 1/2 mile round trip.
  • Indian Creek Falls is about 1 mile from the parking area. Start on the Deep Creek trail from the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road. Follow the Deep Creek trail past Tom's Branch falls to the Indian Creek trail, which branches off to the right from the Deep Creek trail. The hike is an easy 2 miles round trip.
  • Juney Whank Falls trail starts near the parking area. Look for signs to the trail. The moderate hike to the falls is .8 miles round trip.

Deep Creek Camping

The Deep Creek Campground has restrooms with running water and flush toilets, but no hot water, showers, or RV hookups. There are 92 campsites available on a first come first served basis. Reservations are not available. It sometimes fills up in the summer. Each campsite has a picnic table, a fire grate, and a clear area for a tent. RVs up to 26 feet are also welcome.

Deep Creek Picnicing

The large picnic area has picnic tables and grills. Parking and restrooms are available in the picnic area. A pavilion is available for groups. It can be reserved at recreation.gov.

Deep Creek Weather

Click for Bryson City, North Carolina Forecast

Map and Directions to Deep Creek


View Larger Map

Recommended Reading

Trails Illustrated Topo Map is an excellent map of the Smokies, showing roads, hiking trails, camping areas, picnic areas, ranger stations, and more. It is waterproof and tearproof, so it is very durable to take with you camping or hiking, even if it rains.
100 Hikes in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most informative books available about hiking in the Smokies. It gives detailed information about many of the hiking trails in the park.
Great Smoky Mountains: A Vistor's Companion describes and illustrates in full color dozens of plant and animal species in the Smokies, including a wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and plants. It also explores the park's geology, climate, and history.

For More Information

  • Smokies Bookstore
  • Deep Creek Page from the National Park Service

  • Back to Smokies