Tom Branch Fall
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Tom Branch Falls

4.8
·560 reviews·Bryson City, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Tom Branch Fall

Tom Branch Falls

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(560 reviews)

"Peaceful beautiful spot..nice hike easy to walk along.. wish the weather permitted tubing the day I was there."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tom Branch Falls

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 Waterfall Loop

Deep Creek Area, GSMNP

Hike to three stunning waterfalls: Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls.

Tubing and Swimming Spot

Tubing and Swimming Spot

Deep Creek

A popular spot for tubing and cooling off in the refreshing creek waters during warmer months.

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Planning Your Visit

Easy Access to Cascading Beauty

Tom Branch Falls is incredibly accessible, with a short, mostly flat trail from the parking lot. It's perfect for families and those seeking a quick nature fix without a strenuous hike. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the water.

Combine with Other Waterfalls

Don't stop at Tom Branch! This trail is part of a loop that leads to Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls. Many visitors recommend completing the full loop for a more immersive waterfall experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Lush greenery & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A favorite walk - the Deep Creek Trail in GSMNP - leads to this beautiful cascade. #waterfall #greatsmokymountains #blueridge #gsmnp #nc #nccheck
@discoverthecarolinas
32K likes • 318.3K views

👟 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:

📍Deep Creek Waterfall Loop A short 3 mile hike that will treat you to 3 beautiful waterfalls!!! Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls🌊🌺☀️ #Hiking #hikingszn #hikingadventures #hikingtiktok #solohiking #girlswhohike #smokymountains #smokymountainstennessee #greatsmokymountains #cherokee #brysoncity #waterfall #waterfallhike #deepcreek #gatlinburg #tennessee #tn #nc #summerhike...
@mariahpowers_
6.3K likes • 80.1K views
Tom Branch Falls, Great Smokey Mountains, Deepcreek area. One of the coolest waterfalls ever. #greatsmokymountains #deepcreek #tombranchfalls #waterfalls #tennesseewaterfalls #northcarolinawaterfalls #smokeymountains #gooutside #greatoutdoors #hikes #nchikes #hiker #chasingwaterfalls
ohpreston
175 likes • 1.3K views

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:

💦✨ Just minutes from downtown Bryson City, you can enjoy three waterfalls in one scenic hike at Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 🌿 Tom Branch Falls – a peaceful cascade right along the trail 🌿 Juneywhank Falls – a dramatic, multi-tiered beauty 🌿 Indian Creek Falls – a picture-perfect 25-foot drop Learn more: https://brys.onl/3Waterfalls With less than 3 miles roundtrip, it’s ...
brysoncity
693 likes • 6.5K views

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

4.8
(560 reviews)

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

Charming multi-tiered falls
Easy, accessible trail
Peaceful natural setting

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Tubing closed due to rain

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. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

Public transportation options are limited in this national park area. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Tom Branch Falls. TikTok

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. Reddit

Bryson City, North Carolina, is the closest town to Tom Branch Falls and offers various accommodations, dining, and other attractions. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

Restrooms are available at the Deep Creek picnic area, which is near the trailhead for Tom Branch Falls. TikTok

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. Instagram

Tom Branch Falls is part of the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, which also includes Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds for photography. Fall foliage season also offers stunning opportunities. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Yes, standing at the right angle below a tree opposite the falls can create a fantastic composition. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tom Branch Falls is an absolute winner for families. The short, wide, and relatively flat trail makes it easy for little legs to manage, and the payoff of seeing a beautiful waterfall is immediate. InstagramReddit You can easily combine this with Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls for a fun, manageable loop that keeps kids engaged. TikTok Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a change of clothes if the weather is warm, as the creek is a popular spot for splashing and tubing. Instagram The picnic areas nearby are also great for a family lunch break.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo adventurers, Tom Branch Falls offers a rewarding and accessible experience. The well-maintained trails provide a sense of security, and the beauty of the falls offers a peaceful escape. Instagram+1 You can enjoy the tranquility of the cascades and the sounds of nature. Consider completing the full waterfall loop to add more mileage and diverse scenery to your hike. TikTok The Deep Creek area is also known for its camping options, which can be a great way for solo travelers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Tom Branch Falls to be a picturesque subject. The multi-tiered cascades, the way the water flows over the rocks, and the surrounding lush greenery offer plenty of creative opportunities. InstagramReddit Aim for softer light in the early morning or late afternoon to capture the best water detail and avoid harsh shadows. Instagram Experiment with different angles, and consider using a tripod for longer exposures to achieve that silky smooth water effect. The fall foliage season also transforms the area into a vibrant canvas. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Deep Creek Waterfall Experience

Tom Branch Falls is just one gem in the crown of the Deep Creek area within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This section of the park is renowned for its accessible trails and multiple waterfalls, making it a favorite for families and casual hikers. The Deep Creek Trail itself is a well-maintained, wide path that makes reaching Tom Branch Falls a breeze, often described as a short, pleasant stroll. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram Remember to check local conditions and safety advisories before engaging in water activities.

Bryson City: Your Gateway to Adventure

Bryson City, North Carolina, serves as the primary gateway to the wonders of Tom Branch Falls and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This charming mountain town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and local culture, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. From its famous scenic train rides to its proximity to hiking trails and water activities, Bryson City caters to a wide range of interests. TikTok+1

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. TikTok For thrill-seekers, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) nearby offers activities like ziplining and whitewater rafting, adding an adrenaline rush to your mountain getaway. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

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