Deep Creek Three Waterfalls Loop

The walk starts at the Deep Creek Trailhead parking, at the end of Deep Creek Road just past the campground, north of Bryson City. Take the steep, short trail up to Juney Whank Falls and cross the footbridge over the falls. At the junction just beyond, turn right, then left onto the Deep Creek Horse Trail, which climbs over a wooded ridge and drops to the Deep Creek Trail. Turn right, and in a tenth of a mile turn left onto the Indian Creek Trail for the 200 feet to Indian Creek Falls. Go back to the Deep Creek Trail and follow the wide gravel track downstream beside the creek, past Tom Branch Falls on the far bank, to the trailhead.

It is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) around with 600 feet (183 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: short, with steep sections and steps at first and a broad, level track to finish.

All three falls are best after rain. The horse trail can be muddy, and you share it with riders. The trailhead is busy with tubers in summer, though the park does not recommend swimming or tubing in its waters.

A parking tag is needed to park for more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. Pets are not allowed on the trails.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.