October 6, 2026
Deep Creek & Indian Creek Loop Trail
This was another one of those "just right" hiking days with low humidity, sunny "see forever" skies, and perfect temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to the low 60s. The trails we hiked today were dry and in very good shape, though they are obviously well-used and quite wide because they double as horse trails—so be sure to watch your step! Even though the local summer rainfall for this area has been slightly above normal, both the trails and the trees appeared quite dry today. The flow over the three waterfalls was modest, and several of our hikers commented that the water levels in Deep Creek and Indian Creek seemed much lower than normal. As expected for this time of year, there were very few wildflowers in bloom. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly pleasant easy-to-moderate hike, even with the challenge of two long climbs along the loop.
Today's hikers Jenny Bell, Gregg Nuessly, Renée Corbett, Gerald Richardson, Matt Henderson. Bobby Broussard, Mary Camp, Pam Hembree & Kim Johnson.
The route
6.5 mi · 939 ft climbing · 4h 3m out, 3h 19m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
23 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (23)
The morning reflection of the trees and clear blue sky in Deep Creek was the best sight of the hike. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Mike, Jenny, Gregg, Renée, Gerald & Matt; Front: Bobby, Mary, Pam & Kim Getting ready at the trailhead . . . Is anyone thinking about hiking? This is the way. Pretty sad for a Great blue lobelia, but it is late in the season. First waterfall of the day, Juney Wank Falls, a very unique name. Not much water over it today. Left: Rigid whitetop aster; Right: Blue wood aster The only mushroom today that really caught my eye. Crossing Deep Creek. I think I like Deep Creek better than Indian Creek today. Gerald spotted this "hint" of fall color. So we stopped for our group pictures at this bridge crossing over scenic Deep Creek. It was a good opportunity to catch the ladies at their best. And the guys too. Off we go UPHILL to connect with the trail along Indian Creek. Looks more like a trail than a road. Nice. This is the trail, okay road, with Indian Creek along side the entire way. We found this spot along Indian Creek to take a break before heading back. Nothing like eating to bring out the best photos in everyone. On our way back we spotted this beautiful large cluster of Blue wood aster along Indian Creek, swarming with native honey bees. Is that right Gregg, our entomologist.. A quick stop at Indian Creek Falls. The prettiest falls of this hike, but still low flow. We met this lovely couple while at Indian Creek Falls. Headed back to the trailhead. Our last falls of the day, Tom Branch Falls, quite tall, but also low flow.