About Juney Whank Falls
At Juney Whank Falls, several small streams converge and cascade about 80 feet down a wall of rock, then flow under a wooden footbridge that crosses the falls. You can view them from either side of the bridge. "Juney Whank" is a Cherokee phrase the Park Service translates as "place where the bear passes," though bears are unlikely on such a busy trail.
The trail
The path starts at the far end of the parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road, past Deep Creek Campground, and climbs a short but steep trail with several turns; follow the signs for Juney Whank Falls. Wear shoes with grip, because the stairs and bridge can be wet. If you want more, the same trailhead starts the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop, a 2.4-mile route to Indian Creek Falls and Tom Branch Falls.
Getting there
Deep Creek is on the North Carolina side of the park, about 2 miles north of 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 Deep Creek area is busy in summer, when tubers fill the lot, so arrive before 10 a.m.
When to go
- Spring: The strongest flow.
- Summer: Cool and shaded; expect crowds.
- Fall: Good color.
- Winter: Ice on the steps and bridge; carry traction.
Know before you go
The Park Service does not allow dogs on park trails except two paved paths, and neither is at Deep Creek. Keep children off the wet rocks below the bridge. Cell service is poor.
Good to know
- How tall is Juney Whank Falls?
- Juney Whank Falls drops about 80 feet.
- 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.
