Tom Branch Falls

Swain County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 49 ft (15 m)
Location: Swain County, North Carolina
Access status: Easy national park trail; parking tag required
The walk: About 0.5 miles return (about 1/4 mile each way)
Ground & access: Easy, wide gravel trail. Rocks near the water are very slippery.

Waterfall Hero: Tom Branch Falls (GSMNP)

Tom Branch Falls is a 70 to 80 foot waterfall where Tom Branch drops into Deep Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. From the Deep Creek trailhead parking, walk up Deep Creek Trail, a gravel road along the creek. In about a quarter mile, benches on the right face the falls across the creek.

Plan your visit

Deep Creek trailhead parking on Deep Creek Trail to the benches facing Tom Branch Falls

Waterfall Hero lists 0.5 miles for the hike; both sources put the falls about 1/4 mile from the parking area.

Easy, wide gravel trail. Rocks near the water are very slippery.

Where to start

Deep Creek trailhead parking inside the park, about 0.5 miles past the park entrance on Deep Creek Road north of Bryson City. Very busy in tubing season.

Timing & water

Busy in warm months with tubers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail per Waterfall Hero.

Before you go

NPS requires a parking tag for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes; daily tags are $5, weekly $15, annual $40.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Swain County, North Carolina.

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