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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Deep Creek
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Kent Cave Photo |
Indian Creek Falls is one of three waterfalls in the Deep Creek area that can be reached by a short hike. |
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Highlights: walking trails, mountain biking, picnic area
The Deep Creek area is celebrated for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes leading to the waterfalls. Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted.
Directions: To get to Deep Creek, head to Bryson City, NC and follow the signs three miles to Deep Creek.
Mileage
from Cherokee—13
from Gatlinburg—47
Things to Do in Deep Creek
• Bicycling: Bicycles are allowed on Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails to the points where the old roadbeds end and the trail treads begin.
• Camping: Deep Creek campground is open from early April until late October. Group camping is also available. Reservations are available by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting http://www.recreation.gov
• Hiking: Around 2 miles of walking will acquaint you with beautiful Deep Creek and three pretty waterfalls. Deep Creek area loop hikes include Juney Whank Falls (0.6 mile), Three Waterfalls Loop (2.4 miles), and Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop (4.4 miles). Longer loop hikes are also possible. Trails to the waterfalls start from the large parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road (across the creek from Deep Creek Campground).
There are several designated backcountry campsites (camping by permit only) along Deep Creek Trail.
• Fishing: Pick up fishing regulations at a park visitor center. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish within park boundaries. A fishing license may be purchased in Bryson City or other nearby communities or online from the states of or .
• Picnicking: There is a sizable picnic area with restrooms and changing rooms available. The picnic area is open year-round. The pavilion may be reserved by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting http://www.recreation.gov
Swimming and tubing are not recommended in park waters. Serious water-related injuries occur every year in the park and drowning is the second leading cause of death in the park. Additional water safety information. |
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Map and guide with descriptions of the 7 best loop hikes in the Deep Creek area. Detailed relief map and special profile charts show the difficulty of each hike. Descriptions of historic sites, wildflowers, trees, and wildlife all the way. Hikes range from easy to strenuous.
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Operated by the nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.
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Waterfalls Waterfalls can be found on nearly every stream in the park. more... | | Download Park Maps Maps of trails and campgrounds as well as general park maps are available. more... | | Black Bears An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park. more... | |
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Did You Know?
About 100 native tree species make their home in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—more than in all of northern Europe. The park also contains one of the largest blocks of old-growth temperate deciduous forest in North America.
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Last Updated: March 22, 2007 at 09:50 EST |