Deep Creek Trail

Get to know this 14-mile One-way trail near Bryson City, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 6 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during calmer times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Several backcountry campsites can be found along the Deep Creek Trail in the Smokies as well as several Smoky Mountain streams cross over the trail through its length. Backcountry campsite No. 53 appears at mile 3.9 on the trail. Small streams run across the trail and wildflowers can be found in bunches around every turn. Hikers can find the trailhead 1.7 miles south of Newfound Gap along Newfound Gap Road. According to the history books, the Deep Creek Trails was one of the first trails recognized following the national park's establishment. It was designed by R.P. White, an engineer, who considered the Deep Creek Trail to be the most beautiful trail he ever designed.

At the trailhead, you start on a switchback before descending to Deep Creek and winding through a few other coves. Two and a half miles in you get a better idea of the number of different trees, wildflowers, and tributaries that make their way around the trail. At mile 3.5, Deep Creek makes a presence, and it is a great fishing spot. Just have the proper license on you. The next couple of miles are spent bopping and weaving along Deep Creek.  Hikers are now traveling up and down throughout the landscape. The Martins Gap Trail intersection comes up at campsite No. 57, or Bryson Place. Campsite No. 60 soon follows around 11. 7 in. You will cross Bumgardner Branch by way of a footbridge and at 12 miles you will come to a gravel road then a mile later come to the Indian Creek Trail intersection before reaching the trail’s end. There are three waterfalls in Deep Creek, Juney Whank, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls, which is on the Deep Creek Trail.