
Tom Branch Falls
Discover Tom Branch Falls, a charming, easily accessible waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfect for a quick nature escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & fewer crowds

Tom Branch Falls
Best Time
Lush greenery & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tom Branch Falls, a charming, easily accessible waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, perfect for a quick nature escape.
"Peaceful beautiful spot..nice hike easy to walk along.. wish the weather permitted tubing the day I was there."

👟 Easy Waterfall Hike
The trail to Tom Branch Falls is wide and mostly flat, perfect for all ages. :athletic_shoe:
3 Waterfalls in 1 Hike
Combine Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls for a 1.6-mile loop. :hiking_boot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tom Branch Falls
Deep Creek Trail
A charming, multi-tiered cascade flowing into a serene creek. Perfect for a peaceful moment.

Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
Deep Creek Area, GSMNP
Hike to three stunning waterfalls: Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls.

Tubing and Swimming Spot
Deep Creek
A popular spot for tubing and cooling off in the refreshing creek waters during warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access to Cascading Beauty
Combine with Other Waterfalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Easy Waterfall Hike
The trail to Tom Branch Falls is wide and mostly flat, perfect for all ages. :athletic_shoe:
3 Waterfalls in 1 Hike
Combine Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls for a 1.6-mile loop. :hiking_boot:
Tubing Hotspot
Deep Creek is a popular tubing destination in summer. Check conditions before you go. :water_wave:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a peaceful meal by the falls. Benches are available for relaxation. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Easy Waterfall Hike
The trail to Tom Branch Falls is wide and mostly flat, perfect for all ages. :athletic_shoe:
3 Waterfalls in 1 Hike
Combine Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls for a 1.6-mile loop. :hiking_boot:
Tubing Hotspot
Deep Creek is a popular tubing destination in summer. Check conditions before you go. :water_wave:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a peaceful meal by the falls. Benches are available for relaxation. :sandwich:
Best Photo Angles
Stand below a tree opposite the falls for a fantastic composition. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tom Branch Falls for its charming beauty and accessibility, noting it's a perfect spot for a peaceful, easy hike. Many appreciate the multi-tiered cascades and the way the water interacts with the unique rock formations. The surrounding Deep Creek area is also a highlight, offering opportunities for tubing and enjoying the natural environment.
"Tom Branch falls are some of the most charming waterfalls i have encountered. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, and waterfalls are not always about sheer size or volume.
On the contrary, it is their juxtaposition with the surroundings as well as the peculiar shape of the water flow and the rock on which they run.
Here everything comes together just perfect to form something wonderful; the multi-level cascades are a playful pleasure to the eye given the different shapes the rock and the water form on each level.
Unlike most falls, they flow into a running creek, already being unique. And if you stand at the right angle below a tree opposite the waterfalls, the view will form a fantastic composition of natural elements and colors 😍😍😍"
Muris Demirovic
"Peaceful beautiful spot..nice hike easy to walk along.. wish the weather permitted tubing the day I was there but it had been closed due to heavy rain night before..(I'm glad to know they are looking out for my safety) I did enjoy walking and exploring the bank side.."
TF Farrow
"From the parking lot and trailhead, the Deep Creek Trail is a wide, gravel covered and level and allows easy access to Toms Branch Falls. The multi tiered falls is approximately 60-foot high. You can continue on the trail to the Indian Creek Trail to view the Indian Creek Falls. Combining the two falls in your hike covers approximately 1.6 miles roundtrip"
Mark E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tom Branch Falls is located in the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short drive from Bryson City. Follow signs for Deep Creek. The trailhead is well-marked, and parking is available nearby.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead for the Deep Creek Trail, which leads to Tom Branch Falls. It can get busy, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options are limited in this national park area. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Tom Branch Falls.
The trail to Tom Branch Falls is described as wide and gravel-covered, making it relatively easy to navigate. While not paved, it's generally considered accessible for strollers and some wheelchairs, though conditions can vary.
Bryson City, North Carolina, is the closest town to Tom Branch Falls and offers various accommodations, dining, and other attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tom Branch Falls is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is now required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and facilities may have specific hours. The trails are generally accessible during daylight hours.
Since there's no ticket required for the falls themselves, focus on booking any desired tubing rentals or other local activities in advance, especially during peak season.
As the falls are within a national park with no entrance fee, there are no specific discounts or passes for Tom Branch Falls itself. However, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
There are no tickets to refund for the falls. If you've booked tubing or other activities, check the specific vendor's refund policy for weather-related cancellations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Tom Branch Falls is a short, easy walk (about 0.5 miles roundtrip) from the Deep Creek Trailhead. The path is wide, gravel-covered, and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors.
You can see Tom Branch Falls in about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend enjoying the scenery and taking photos. If you do the full waterfall loop, allow 1-2 hours.
Restrooms are available at the Deep Creek picnic area, which is near the trailhead for Tom Branch Falls.
While you can't swim directly at the base of Tom Branch Falls, the Deep Creek area is popular for tubing and wading in designated spots.
Tom Branch Falls is part of the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, which also includes Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds for photography. Fall foliage season also offers stunning opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be helpful for longer exposures to smooth the water.
Yes, standing at the right angle below a tree opposite the falls can create a fantastic composition.
Drone usage is restricted in most national parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the official NPS website for current regulations before flying a drone.
Focus on the multi-tiered cascades, the interplay of water and rock, and the lush greenery surrounding the falls. The creek itself also offers beautiful photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deep Creek Waterfall Experience
Beyond Tom Branch, the trail continues to offer more natural beauty. Visitors can easily extend their hike to discover the equally captivating Indian Creek Falls and the dramatic, multi-tiered Juney Whank Falls. This creates a fantastic loop, typically around 1.6 miles, allowing you to experience three distinct waterfalls without a significant time commitment. Many reviewers highlight this loop as a must-do for its variety and ease of access.
Adding to the allure of Deep Creek is its popularity as a tubing and swimming destination during warmer months. The gentle currents of the creek make it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip or a leisurely float. While the falls themselves are for viewing, the creek offers a chance to cool off and enjoy the water. Remember to check local conditions and safety advisories before engaging in water activities.
Bryson City: Your Gateway to Adventure
Beyond the natural beauty of the waterfalls, Bryson City boasts a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, local eateries, and craft breweries. It's also known for its connection to the Cherokee people, with opportunities to learn about their rich history and traditions, including cultural performances. For thrill-seekers, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) nearby offers activities like ziplining and whitewater rafting, adding an adrenaline rush to your mountain getaway.
Whether you're planning a short day trip or a longer stay, Bryson City provides a welcoming atmosphere and a wealth of activities. It's a place where you can easily combine a peaceful hike to a waterfall with more adventurous pursuits, all within a stunning natural setting.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit