September 19, 2023
Deep Creek and Indian Creek Loop Trail
in the Great Smokey National Park near Bryson City, NC
This hike was worth the longer than usual drive due to its well kept trails, nice views, and three falls along Deep and Indian Creeks. We saw enough late season wildflowers in bloom along the way to be interesting. This trail is moderately difficult with two fairly long climbs. This is a popular park so start early. However, there are many more trails in this section of the Great Smoky Forest National Park making this area a candidate for additional hikes.
The route
7.0 mi · 1,017 ft climbing · 3h 49m out, 3h 12m walking · 2.2 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%
15 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (16)
Indian Creek Falls . . . yea, not as showy as Tom Branch Falls, but deserves more attention! Today's Hikers (L-R): Heather, Jenny, Lynn, Don, Mike, Ken, Stephanie, Jane, Michele & Jack. Easy access to the trailhead. Nice trail signs throughout the park. Headed up to our first stop at Juney Whank Falls. Juney Whank Falls . . . just a short uphill from the trailhead. Only found growing in the one small bog along the trail, top: White Turtlehead & bottom: Cardinal Flower. Other wildflowers seen with the Great Lobelia found along much of the trial. So many large and small water feature along the way . . with all those nice water sounds, too! More plants of interest: Left: Indian Pipe and Right:Spotted Jewelweed How about this solitary Smooth False Foxglove! On the backend of this hike we walked along Indian Creek and past this old stone wall. Another not so flattering pic of lunch along Indian Creek. This Imperial Moth Caterpillar dropped out of the trees above us. A more scenic view of Indian Creek just below Indian Creek Falls. Tom Branch Falls at the end of our hike.