Deep Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 3 beautiful waterfalls – Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls – you can see all while hiking less than 3 miles. Near Bryson City, North Carolina, Deep Creek offers hiking, waterfalls, tubing, and camping. There are also public restrooms located near the campground.
Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park and follow a gravel one-lane road (Tom Branch Road) to the parking area. You will cross a small, narrow bridge over Deep Creek right before the road dead-ends at Deep Creek Road. The parking lot is located here and is right next to the trailhead. If this lot is full, there is a small gravel pull-off on the last curve of Tom Branch Road where up to 4 cars can park. There is also another parking area near the campground.
All the trails here are well marked and maintained. Signs list a trail name or waterfall and then a distance in miles. This is the distance to the trail, not the total trail length. No pets are allowed on any of the trails in Deep Creek.
Tom Branch Falls
From the paved loop/drop-off zone near the parking lot, follow the Deep Creek Trail.
An easy quarter-mile walk from the parking area is Tom Branch Falls. This 60-foot waterfall is on the right across the creek from the trail but you have excellent views.
In the warmer months, you can see people tubing down Deep Creek in front of the waterfall. See more photos of Tom Branch Falls and learn about the trail.
Indian Creek Falls
From Tom Branch Falls, continue on the Deep Creek Trail for approximately half a mile. Turn right at the intersection with the Indian Creek Trail. Walk a short distance uphill (around 200 feet) and look for a sign to your left for the falls.
There is a set of steps leading down to a small, square viewing platform across from the falls. The 25-foot waterfall cascades down an angled rock face. See more photos of Indian Creek Falls and learn about the trail.
Juney Whank Falls
The third waterfall in Deep Creek is the 90-foot Juney Whank Falls. There are multiple ways to get to the falls. From Indian Creek Falls, return to the Deep Creek Trail and turn right toward the Horse Trail for the shortest route.
You can also retrace your steps from Indian Creek Falls, down the Deep Creek Trail toward the parking lot. Pass Tom Branch Falls and turn right at the sign for the Juney Whank Loop Trail.
Another option is to head to Juney Whank Falls directly from the parking area. Follow the Juney Whank Loop Trail sign up a steep, quarter-mile hike until it connects with the Horse Trail. Turn right on the Horse Trail and continue climbing until you reach a sign and spur trail for the falls on your right.
All these paths will lead to a footbridge in front of the falls.
See more photos of Juney Whank Falls and learn about the trail.
Three falls in one location! Now that is some good scouting! Thanks for the pictures and helpful information.
It is SO nice when I can visit multiple waterfalls in one day – even better when I only have to drive and park once!