Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

Bryson City, North Carolina

4.5/5

based on 4 reviews

Save

View all 10 photos

All 10 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

1.76 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Joshua Contois

Hike to two scenic falls (Tom Branch Falls + Indian Creek falls) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park located near Bryson City, NC.

From the Deep Creek Trailhead, you can hike to both waterfalls heading up the Deep Creek Trail. You will come across Tom Branch Falls quickly, after 0.2 miles. Once you've had your fill of Tom Branch, head further along the Deep Creek Trail for another 0.5 miles. Turn right on the Indian Creek Trail and hike for 0.1 miles until you reach Indian Creek Falls.

On your return, you can head back the way you came or head back to the Deep Creek Trail and continue on the path until you reach the Deep Creek Horse Trail (0.2 miles from the Deep Creek - Indian Creek junction). This loop takes you by Juney Whank Falls before making it back to the trailhead.

Park Map: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/plany...

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Forest

Romantic

Scenic

Waterfall

Reviews

Explorer

Jared Beeler

Explorer

Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

09/22/20

This area is an awesome part of the smokies and is a great place to visit. However, the waterfalls on this side of the park are a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the Smoky Mountains.

4.0

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

09/22/20

At least three worth waterfalls along this trail make it a great couple of hours spent within the park.

5.0

Natalie F

Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

07/31/20

Easy, scenic and features waterfalls! Great hike! Didn't run into many people either when we were there in early May!

4.0

Explorer

Jess Fischer

Explorer

Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

05/19/17

Really pretty waterfalls up an easy trail. Also a great spot for fly fishing! Best after some good rainfall.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Juney Whank Falls Loop

Starting at the Deep Creek Trailhead, take a short walk until the trail meets up with Juney Whank Falls Trail. From here, hang a left and head onto the Juney Whank Falls Trail. Once you've reached the falls, continue the loop to get back to the trailhead. The falls are said to be named after Mr. Junaluska "Juney" Whank who is believed to be buried in the area. Please no dogs on this trail.

Deep Creek Loop

After parking in the Deep Creek Campground parking lot follow the signs for the Deep Creek Trailhead. The Tom Branch waterfall is just .3 miles on the right side. Hike another .5 miles, at the next intersection stay right, and you will approach Indian Creek Falls. After viewing the falls you can choose to continue straight up the Indian Creek Trail or go back down to the intersection and jour...

Hike Three Waterfalls Loop

Start the loop by hiking the Juney Whank Falls Trail to Juney Whank Falls. The footbridge across the creek makes an excellent place to rest and take in the falls. Follow the trail across the bridge and up the bank. After about 300 feet take a right and follow Deep Creek Horse Trail towards Deep Creek Trail. After intersecting with Deep Creek Trail turn left and walk about half a mile passing T...

Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop

This is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse. You need to obtain camping permits from the Smokies website. The campground is a very popular one, ...

Hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook

To start the hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook begin from the Noland Divide Trailhead in Deep Creek. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. Approaching the top you'll walk along a rocky ridge line where you are able to see the overlook. As you continue, be sure to look closely for the spur trail out to the overlook because the sign has fallen over. From the overlo...

Explore Old 288 and the Lands Creek Bridge

NC 288 was constructed in the 1920's, but did not last long with the construction of the Fontana Dam as the resulting lake covered the highway. The U.S. government entered an agreement in which they would provide a replacement road, but to this day it has not been completed and is know by locals as the Road to Nowhere. The consequence of the dam upon the highway and communities within the area ...

Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Juney Whank Falls Loop

Deep Creek Loop

Hike Three Waterfalls Loop

Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop

Hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook

Explore Old 288 and the Lands Creek Bridge

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps