Trail: Deep Creek Trail Loop
Trails Creating the Loop: Deep Creek Trail, Indian Creek Trail, & Loop Trail
Type: Lollipop
Surface: Packed Dirt, Mountain Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Foot Traffic: Crowded
Equestrians: Allowed
Bicyclists: Allowed
Restrooms: Deep Creek Picnic and Campground Areas (backcountry regulations)
Highlights: Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, Streams, Cascades, Fall Foliage, Wildflowers
Deep Creek Trail Loop Trailhead
From Bryson City, NC: From the corner of Everett and Depot Streets, head northeast on Depot Street. Turn left onto Collins and then right again on Depot. After crossing Ramseur Street, the road name changes to Deep Creek Road. The name changes again 0.3-mile later and becomes W. Deep Creek Road. Take W. Deep Creek Road all the way to the Deep Creek Trail Trailhead.
The easiest way to navigate through the picnic and camping area just prior to the trailhead, is to just stay left and go all the way to the back.
IMPORTANT: This area is very popular for tubing in the river. Parking may be difficult on weekends and holidays during the spring and summer seasons.
Deep Creek Trail Loop Description
The Deep Creek Trail is wide and smooth at the beginning. An old mountain roadbed, the surface is packed dirt with small gravel. The surface transforms into a typical forest trail at Indian Creek Trail. The National Park Service maintains it well.
Due to its close proximity to Bryson City and the Deep Creek Campground and picnic areas, this trail is popular with tubers and hikers alike. Beginning at Indian Creek Trail, equestrians also may use the trail.
RELATED: Deep Creek Picnic Area
Hikers enjoy the forest walk, beautiful waterfalls, and a multitude of wildflowers in the spring. Tubers cannot get enough of floating down the river again and again. As you begin your hike, tubers will accompany you while carrying their tubes to the entry point for a nice ride in the water.
Tom Branch Falls | Deep Creek Trail Loop
You will arrive at Tom Branch Falls just 0.2-mile into your hike. This cascading waterfall is a beautiful example of how refreshing and calming the waterfalls of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are. Take in the scenery before continuing on to Indian Creek Trail.
Indian Creek Trail is a short 0.5-mile from Tom Branch Falls. Turn right onto the trail and 450 feet later Indian Creek Falls is on your left.
Indian Creek Falls | Indian Creek Trail | Deep Creek Trail Loop
Continue hiking for 0.7-mile and turn left onto Loop Trail. Loop Trail takes you back to Deep Creek Trail where you turn left again to return to the trailhead. This section of the trail is 1.7-miles long and will take about 45 minutes to hike.
Nearby Points of Interest
Juney Whank Falls Loop is a short hike from the Deep Creek Trail trailhead. Deep Creek Picnic Area is a great place to picnic between hikes. Bryson City, NC is home to many outdoor adventures.
