Summary:
A peaceful walk along creeks and through forest, with the bonus of colorful leaf displays in fall.

Just beyond the car park, the level, wide Deep Creek Trail heads alongside the creek to a bridge. This tends to be the busiest part of the hike, and as you cross the bridge and start a gentle climb, things begin to get quieter. The first trail junction is reached after 15 minutes, marking the start of the loop.

Turn right along the Indian Creek Trail, and soon you pass the small cascade of Indian Creek Falls. The trail continues to climb gently as you head to the top of the cascade. Cross a wooden bridge and continue climbing with the creek now on your right. 10 minutes from the Indian Creek Trail junction, the trail levels (ignore the turning on your right to Stone Pile Gap Trail), and 5 minutes later turn left along the Loop Trail.

A steep climb now, on a narrow path through rhododendron bushes and possibly a couple of muddy patches. A trickle of water flows on the left and deciduous trees rise overhead. The humidity in the forest is noticeable, and particularly oppressive with the effort of climbing (fortunately only the first half of the Loop Trail climbs, the other 0.5 mile is all downhill).

Climb steadily as the trail curves to the left. Through the trees you catch glimpses of forested hills in the distance. 0.5 mile along the Loop Trail, the Sunkota Ridge Trail heads off sharp right. You continue ahead following the sign to Deep Creek, the trail quickly bearing right.

The climb is now over and you head down through the forest (in autumn, a thick covering of leaves on the ground hides exposed tree roots). Through the trees you can see the hazy blue outline of the Smoky Mountains in the distance. This part of the trail is especially delightful, deserted and tranquil, with just the sound of wind rustling the leaves and woodpeckers drilling on tree trunks overhead.

Soon you start to hear the river again, hidden from view for the moment. The rush of the river grows louder as you descend, and soon you can see it through the trees to the left. The descent eases into a level gradient and, an hour or so after setting out from the trailhead, you reach the junction at the end of the Loop Trail.

Take a left over the bridge to rejoin the Deep Creek Trail (as indicated by the sign, there is now only 1 mile to the final trail junction and 1.7 miles to the end of the hike). Head along the wide, level track with the river to your left. The path veers away from the river for a short time; when you rejoin it, look behind for a beautiful vista of the river with a backdrop of forested hills – especially lovely in autumn with the vivid leaf colors of rusts, oranges and greens.

Continue on, crossing a couple of bridges to the final trail junction. This marks the end of the loop. The car park is now just 15 minutes away, following the same route along Deep Creek that you took on the way in.

Useful Link
For more information on all aspects of the Great Smoky Mountains – including news, weather, activites, events and wildlife – visit GreatSmoky.com.

Directions: From Cherokee at the south entrance of the National Park, take US 19 into Bryson City. Turn right, following the signs to Deep Creek Campground. This will take you onto Deep Creek Road, and soon you re-enter the National Park.

Trailhead: Car park on the left, at the end of Deep Creek Road.

Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 820 ft / 250 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Generally wide tracks, well-signed and easy to follow.

Features: Forest, creeks and small cascades.

Climate: Changeable in winter and early spring, with some snow at these lower elevations. Hot and hazy in mid-summer, with thunderstorms. Late spring and autumn tend to be warm and sunny, but expect rain at any time.

Accommodation: Camping at Deep Creek. Plenty of motels in Bryson City or further away in Cherokee.

Trail Notes: Trail maps and guides available from the Oconaluftee visitor center at the south entrance of the National Park.