Waterfall Hero Hikes: Little Creek Falls (GSMNP)

Little Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Swain County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hike Length: 12.4 mi
Estimated Time: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Location: Deep Creek (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: No
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.

Trailhead GPS: 35.46504,-83.41919
Waterfall GPS: 35.50636,-83.37267

Directions:

From Bryson City, head north on Everett Street and turn right on Water Street. Go 1.6 miles and turn left W Deep Creek Road. Drive 1.1 miles, entering the park and turn right on Tom Branch Road, which turns to gravel after the narrow bridge. Go 1 mile and turn left into the parking area for Thomas Divide Trailhead.

Map:

Hike Description:

In the past, you could park on private property at a trout farm and it was about 3 miles round trip. They no longer allow public access so it is a much longer hike through the park. From the trailhead, hike along Thomas Divide Trail, which starts out as a gated road.

In just over a mile, Stone Pile Gap Trail comes in from the left. At 3.2 miles the road becomes Indian Creek Motor Trail. Turn right here to stay on Thomas Divide Trail, which is now single track and overgrown in places.

At 5.5 miles, reach a four-way intersection at Deeplow Gap.

Turn right on Deeplow Gap Trail towards Mingus Creek Trail. The trail descends and crosses Little Creek then goes away from the creek and switchbacks towards it.