About Indian Creek Falls
Indian Creek Falls is a 25-foot cascade that tumbles down sloping sandstone into a large plunge pool, and it is the third of the trio of falls in the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, North Carolina. The Park Service lists the walk along Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls as 1.6 miles round trip.
The walk
From the large parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road, follow the wide gravel Deep Creek Trail up the valley. At about 0.3 miles the trail flattens near Tom Branch Falls, with benches. About 0.4 miles farther is the junction with Indian Creek Trail, which branches uphill and to the right. A short side trail leads down for a better view; it is often muddy and slippery.
Make it a loop
You can fold this into the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop, a 2.4-mile route that also visits Juney Whank Falls and Tom Branch Falls. The loop includes a steep, short climb and some steps.
Getting there
From Bryson City, follow Everett Street and Deep Creek Road to the end. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. The lot fills on summer weekends, with tubers and picnickers. Go early.
When to go
- Spring: Highest flow and early wildflowers.
- Summer: Cool, but crowded.
- Fall: Good color and a mellow walk.
- Winter: Quiet, with icy patches.
Know before you go
Dogs are not allowed on these trails. Stay off the wet rocks at the falls. Cell service is poor at the trailhead, so download a map.
Good to know
- How tall is Indian Creek Falls?
- Indian Creek Falls drops about 25 feet.
- How far is the hike to Indian Creek Falls?
- It is about 0.8 miles each way, rated easy.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- 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.
