About Juney Whank Falls Trail (Deep Creek)
Juney Whank Falls is the shortest waterfall walk at Deep Creek, and it is steeper than it looks. The trail climbs from the campground area on a short, rocky path to a footbridge in front of a two-tier waterfall. It is a quick outing, well under a mile round trip, and you can pair it with the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop.
The hike
The path begins near the trailhead and climbs steadily on stone steps. The falls pour down a narrow ledge and the bridge gives a close, misty view. The trail is short but not stroller-friendly, and it is slick after rain.
When to go
Spring and fall are best for flow and color. In summer, go early to avoid crowds at the trailhead.
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
Bring good shoes; steps are uneven. Pets are not allowed. Check the NPS Deep Creek page for current conditions.
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
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
Cell service is spotty across much of the park, so download a map ahead of time and tell someone where you are headed. Stay on the trail, keep dogs and other pets on the few trails where they are allowed, and give wildlife plenty of room. Trail conditions are posted on the park's closures page.
Good to know
- How long is Juney Whank Falls Trail (Deep Creek)?
- Juney Whank Falls Trail (Deep Creek) is 0.3 miles one way (0.6 miles round trip), with about 100 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- 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.
