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North Carolina Nature|Waterfalls

Deep Creek Loop Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In North Carolina That's Great For A Family Hike

By Catherine Armstrong | Published September 07, 2019

To truly appreciate the beauty of North Carolina, lace up your hiking boots and hit one of the state’s many trails. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the scenery; there are plenty of easy paths that are perfect for kids and beginners. The Deep Creek Loop Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is one of our favorites.

If you want to bask in North Carolina's beauty, but you're not an expert hiker, take the Deep Creek Trail. You'll find it in the Great Smoky Mountains, north of Bryson City.

This loop trail is shady and green, and it's a pleasant stroll. Pack a snack or lunch - this hike is 4.6 miles long, so your adventure will be a few hours long.

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You'll barely get down the trail before you reach Tom Branch Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that meanders down the rocks into the creek below. It's the first of three waterfalls on this loop.

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If you time your visit right after a rainstorm, the falls will be even more impressive. Take a seat on one of the benches to sit and admire it for a few minutes.

This trail has several side trails, and you'll definitely want to take the time to divert to the Indian Creek Trail. Indian Creek Falls is a 45-foot waterfall that skims right over the rocks.

Cross the pretty bridge and stop to take in the pretty creek.

As you near the end of the loop, you'll come to a branch trail for Juney Whank Falls. Take the branch trail to see this 80-foot cascade that tumbles down the cliff right next to the bridge. From the falls, it's just a quarter-mile back to the trailhead.

Have you hiked Deep Creek Loop? Tell us about your adventures!

Looking for more waterfalls in North Carolina? You can see four waterfalls in just one day of hiking on this trail.

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