About Tom Branch Falls
Tom Branch Falls is the first waterfall you reach at Deep Creek, on the North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. It is about 0.3 miles from the trailhead on the wide, gravel Deep Creek Trail, which flattens out near the falls, where the Park Service has put benches for taking it in. Guides list the drop at around 60 feet of cascading rock.
The walk
Start at the large lot at the end of Deep Creek Road, beyond the campground, and walk up the Deep Creek Trail. The surface is wide gravel with occasional roots and rocks, so it works for most families. The Park Service describes the route as a 1.6-mile round trip if you continue to Indian Creek Falls. A section of the trail has been assessed for accessibility, and the park offers free Freedom Chairs.
Make it a loop
Add Juney Whank Falls and Indian Creek Falls on the 2.4-mile Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop, which has a short, steep climb and some steps.
The tubing crowd
In summer, people tube the lower creek and the lot is full of cars and coolers. Go early, or visit in spring or fall. The Deep Creek area has a picnic area and a campground. 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.
When to go
- Spring: Strong water and wildflowers.
- Summer: Crowded but cool; get there before 10 a.m.
- Fall: Good color and calm trails.
- Winter: Quiet, with icy shade.
Know before you go
Dogs are not allowed on these trails. Keep off the wet rocks at the falls. Cell service is poor.
Good to know
- How tall is Tom Branch Falls?
- Tom Branch Falls drops about 60 feet.
- How far is the hike to Tom Branch Falls?
- It is about 0.3 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.
