Easy Hikes, Big Views & Must-See Falls in the Smokies
If you’re searching for waterfalls near Bryson City, NC, you’re in luck—some of the most beautiful and accessible falls in the Smokies are just minutes away. Whether you’re looking for a quick roadside stop or a short scenic hike, these five waterfalls deliver big rewards with minimal travel time.
1. Juney Whank Falls (Deep Creek)
One of the most unique waterfalls in the area, Juney Whank Falls drops about 90 feet in two sections. A short but steep hike leads to a footbridge where you’ll get the best view of the cascading water.
Distance: ~0.6 miles roundtrip
Why go: Dramatic height + close-up viewing
2. Tom Branch Falls (Deep Creek)
This 60-foot cascade is one of the easiest waterfalls to access near Bryson City. Tom Branch Falls is located right along the Deep Creek trail, it’s perfect for families and offers benches where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Distance: ~0.3 miles one way
Why go: Easiest access + relaxing setting
3. Indian Creek Falls (Deep Creek)
Further along the trail from Tom Branch, Indian Creek Falls features a 25-foot drop into a beautiful pool surrounded by lush forest. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot worth the short hike.
Distance: ~1 mile one way
Why go: Serene setting + classic Smoky Mountain feel
4. Mingo Falls (Cherokee)
At an impressive 120 feet, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. A short but steep stair climb leads to a stunning, close-up view of the falls. Mingo Falls reopened in September 2025 following significant renovations, featuring a safer, wider gravel trail, completely rebuilt stairs (approximately 160 steps), and a new, more robust observation bridge to improve accessibility. The improvements make the steep climb more user-friendly.
Distance: ~0.4 miles roundtrip (stairs)
Why go: Height + dramatic photo opportunity
5. Soco Falls (Cherokee)
Soco Falls is a rare double waterfall, where two streams cascade side by side into a rocky basin. Following 2025 renovations, Soco Falls has a new, larger gravel parking area located off US-19 (Soco Road) between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, NC. The lot is situated on the left, roughly 1–1.4 miles past the Blue Ridge Parkway intersection when coming from Maggie Valley. It is a free,, small roadside lot for accessing the falls. The hike to Soco Falls from the new, larger parking lot is approximately 0.5 miles total for the round trip to the new observation deck. The new, improved trail features handrails and switchbacks
Distance: .0.5 miles from parking
Why go: Unique double falls
Pro Tip: Do All Three Deep Creek Falls in One Hike
You can visit Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek Falls in one easy 2.4-mile loop in the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—making it one of the best short waterfall hikes in the region.
Why These Are the Best Waterfalls Near Bryson City
- ⏱ Close to town (most within 15–25 minutes)
- 🥾 Short hikes or easy access
- 🌄 Variety of experiences (from roadside views to scenic trails)
Plan Your Waterfall Adventure
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through Bryson City, these waterfalls are some of the top things to do in Bryson City, NC.
Bring your camera, wear good shoes, and get ready to chase waterfalls in the Smokies.
