Deep Creek Waterfalls

We headed to the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike the short three-waterfall loop. We started off along the Deep Creek Trail heading upstream along its namesake creek. In just a couple of minutes, we passed Tom Branch Falls, which flows into the creek from the other side. The waterfall is pretty high, probably around 60 feet, but the water level was a little low and much of it was obscured by foliage.

Nonetheless, it was a pretty waterfall that doesn’t require much effort to see it at all. Continuing on the trail for about a half-mile, we came to a split and turned right on Indian Creek Trail. Almost immediately, there was a spur trail to the left that led down to a view of Indian Creek Falls. It’s a 20-foot cascading waterfall that was split into two streams.

It's not a big waterfall, but quite scenic. After a couple of pictures, we went back to Deep Creek Trail and then turned left on Deep Creek Horse Trail. This trail was a bit steep heading up initially and then back down. I guess horses don't mind the elevation gain too much. When we were almost back to the parking lot, we turned onto Juney Whank Falls Trail and made a quick stop at the waterfall. This is another small but scenic waterfall.

Split into multiple sections, we got some pictures from the footbridge that crosses it in the middle. It was getting late in the day, so we didn’t spend a lot of time here. A couple quick pictures and then we headed back to the car and started making our way towards Smokemont. We stopped for fast food in Bryson City and then continued past Cherokee to Smokemont Campground. After finding the group sites, we set up our tent as darkness began to fall on the mountains. Once we were set up, we made some drinks and socialized around the campfire before heading to bed.