Trail: Juney Whank Falls Loop
Type: Loop
Surface: Packed Dirt
Distance: 0.8 mile
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Foot Traffic: Crowded
Equestrians: Allowed
Restrooms: Deep Creek Picnic and Campground Areas (backcountry regulations)
Highlights: Waterfalls, Streams, Cascades, Horses
Juney Whank Falls Loop Trailhead
From Bryson City, NC: From the corner of Everett and Depot, 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.
Juney Whank Falls Loop Trail Description
From the drop-off area, walk 430 feet on Deep Creek Trail. At this point, you will see the junction with Juney Whank Falls Loop Trail on the left. The trail begins a steady incline, roughly 194 feet, until you reach the waterfalls. The climb is somewhat steep; however, it is a short distance.
We are following the National Park Service’s lead and classifying the difficulty level of this trail as “moderate” solely on the basis of the elevation change.
Wear proper hiking shoes and bring drinking water as you would on any trail. Leave your pet behind though, the park regulations do not allow pets on the trails; unless your pet is a horse.
NOTE: Equestrians use Juney Whank Falls Loop, so watch your step. That may not be a large rock sitting in the trail.
The National Park Service maintains the trail and it is normally in good shape. The surface is packed dirt. The short distance to the waterfall and the nearby campground make Juney Whank Falls a popular trail.
As you approach the waterfall, a footbridge allows you to experience the 90’ tall waterfall up close. A bench built into the footbridge is a nice place to sit and cool off while taking in the waterfall.
Cross over the footbridge and continue on the trail to complete the loop, or turn around and backtrack to the trailhead.
Juney Whank Falls | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Historians are unsure of how the waterfall got its name. Some believe it is a Cherokee phrase meaning, “where the bear passes”. Most believe it got its name from a local man, Junaluska “Juney” Whank.
Nearby Points of Interest
Bryson City, North Carolina is a wonderful place for outdoor adventure. If you are visiting Juney Whank Falls, you should do some exploring here. Of course, you can stay on the trail and visit Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls, both nearby. Also, Deep Creek Picnic Area is a beautiful place to stop for a bite to eat.
