Hiking Hotspot: Three Waterfalls Loop in the Great Smokies
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We have explored many beautiful waterfalls within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since relocating to both Asheville and Greenville in recent years. This park sees over 55 inches of rain per year in the lower altitude areas and up to 85 on some peaks. This translates into lush greenery and powerful waterfalls especially during the rainy late spring/summer months. Recently, we drove out to Bryson City to explore the quieter North Carolina side of the park. There was a triple waterfall hike we really wanted to check out; we were not disappointed!
Most of the popular waterfalls are located within the touristy Gatlinburg area. We are used to a lot of tourist traffic in Asheville & have been to Gatlinburg numerous times, so we were seeking something a bit more low-key. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience too, consider planning a day or more in Bryson City, a charming small town on the North Carolina side of the Smokies.
This small city sees way less tourist traffic than Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, and thus, is a good choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors in a more rustic setting. The Three Waterfalls Loop in the Deep Creek Wilderness area is a wonderful moderate option which definitely justified our 1 hour drive. You can make a day out of it – there is a cute Main Street lined with local business.
Deep Creek Wilderness
This Deep Creek region of the Smokies is known for its’ many waterfalls and streams. You can pick between the beginner friendly 2.4 mile Waterfalls loop or the more intense 4.4 mile Indian Creek-Deep Creek loop. Cyclists take note – Deep Creek and Indian Creek are one of the few park trails which permit mountain biking. Besides hiking and biking, camping, fishing, tubing, and picnicking are all quite popular here.
Three Waterfalls Loop
A beautiful moderate 2.5 mile hike will take you to 3 incredible waterfalls. Overall, this is probably the best bang-for-your-buck waterfall hike within the national park. In exchange for a short, moderately intense trek, you get to enjoy 3 beauties and it’s pretty quiet too. The hike is mostly shady with plenty of greenery and relaxing views of the creek along the way. Really, a great way to spend a mild spring, fall, or early summer day. I couldn’t ask for a better day getting back to nature.
Juney Whank Falls
This is the first waterfall you will come across on the loop trail. This one is pretty cool as you get to walk across a footbridge. The combined upper and lower falls drop an impressive 90 feet. Note: You can hike this one separately. If you choose not to complete the loop, this trail by itself is just 0.6 miles total but considerably steep. It is not wheelchair accessible.
According to the NPS, the falls are named after Mr. Junaluska “Juney” Whank who is said to be buried in the area. In Cherokee, Juney Whank translates to “place where the bear passes.” According to the NPS, bear sightings are rare due to the traffic levels.
Tom Branch Falls
The second waterfall on the loop, 60 foot tall Tom Branch Falls, is the most mesmerizing of the three. I love the multi level look to this one. On a side note, this is one of the area’s only wheelchair and stroller accessible paths. It’s a wide gravel path which is 0.6 miles by itself if you choose not to complete the loop. If you walk a little further you will reach the third, Indian Creek.
Indian Creek Falls
The third waterfall you will come across is 25 foot tall Indian Creek Falls. While not as tall as the others, I like the lush setting which all the trees surrounding it. Note: If you don’t take the loop, you have the option of hiking 1.6 miles to Indian Creek (you will also see Tom Branch along the way). This trail is also wheelchair friendly.
Bear safety!
The Great Smokies is home to one of the highest black bear populations in the country. According to the NPS, 1900 bears are estimated to live in the park. This means 2 bears per square mile! Bear sightings are common throughout the park, especially during the early morning hours. I saw my first bear on a trail near Gatlinburg called Laurel Falls – another beauty I recommend adding to your to-do list.
Spring and summer are typically the most active months for sightings. Never approach a bear – it’s illegal to purposefully approach a bear within 50 feet. Last time we were hiking near Gatlinburg, we saw some not so smart tourists getting way too close to a bear and her cubs – not a good idea!
The NPS has some helpful tips on what to do if you see one. Please take a look at these bear safety tips before embarking on any hike in the area! You do not want to be caught off guard!
Location/parking details
The parking lot is located at: 1090 W Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC. There is no fee to park. As of now, the Smokies remains one of America’s only free national parks. However, a parking fee is currently being proposed. Update: Sadly, it is no longer free. Rates are $5 per day and $15 weekly which still isn’t too bad in comparison to others.
*Check out my Waterfall Guide to find more incredible waterfalls worth traveling for. My guide highlights incredible falls I’ve seen all over the country with options in the Northeast, Midwest, and the mountain states.
Where to fuel up/recover:
We checked out this cute local cafe called Mountain Perks prior to our hike. I love the rustic look to this place and they actually served great coffee. They also offer bagels and pastries and it is always a good idea to eat before any hiking adventure.
For lunch, we drove a half hour to this beautiful restaurant on the water called River’s Edge. This is a cool place next to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) where you can sign up for whitewater rafting adventures. It’s also a scenic place for lunch. I ordered their signature dish: The Sherpa Rice. It says on their menu that it was inspired by the owner’s trip to Nepal. It’s a filling entree post-hike. This vegetarian dish includes: lentils, brown rice, barely, and stir fried veggies in a ginger soy based sauce.
What else to do in the area?
Here are some of the attractions and hikes I recommend exploring in the WNC region in my North Carolina Travel Guide. I lived in the region for 2 years so I had plenty of time to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains nearly every weekend.
