About Deep Creek Horse Trail
Deep Creek Horse Trail is a short connector for riders in the Deep Creek area. It runs about 1.8 miles between the Deep Creek Trail and the Noland Divide Trail, with roughly 250 feet of climbing. It is open to hikers too, but expect horse traffic.
The hike
The trail follows a gentle grade through hardwood forest. The Deep Creek Horse Camp offers camping for riders; see the NPS horse camps page.
When to go
Spring and fall are best.
Getting there
Deep Creek is about two miles north of Bryson City on Deep Creek Road. Plan on a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) if you will be parked longer than 15 minutes. Federal passes do not substitute for it, and a screenshot will not do; the tag must be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
Step aside for horses and speak calmly. Pets are not allowed. See the Deep Creek page.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Oconaluftee River Trail: an easy riverside walk that allows dogs
- Kephart Prong Trail: a 4-mile round trip to a CCC camp
- Chasteen Creek Cascade: a 3.6-mile round trip
Planning and safety
This is an easy outing, so it works for an hour or a whole afternoon. Keep the pace relaxed, bring a snack, and plan a nearby stop to make a half-day of it. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the light is softest early and late.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Deep Creek Horse Trail?
- Deep Creek Horse Trail is 1.8 miles one way, with about 250 feet of climbing. It is rated easy.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
