Deep Creek Loop is a premier hiking destination in Bryson City, North Carolina, covering 4.4 miles with 700ft of elevation gain. Stats: 4.4 miles, 700ft gain, Moderate. Type: Loop. Surface: Dirt. Time: 2-3 hours. Fee: $35 GSMNP fee. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rainbow trout, salamanders. Best seasons: Spring for wildflowers and waterfall flow; fall for color; summer for tubing on Deep Creek. Deep Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park passes three waterfalls — Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls — on a family-friendly creekside loop. Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.