Trail Run Project Logo

A great 10-ish mile loop in Deep Creek Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.0

KM

88%

Runnable

3,454' 1,053 m

High

1,817' 554 m

Low

1,697' 517 m

Up

1,687' 514 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Indian Creek Motor Trail is a low traveled trail in the popular Deep Creek area. So enjoy about 6 miles of running solitude. As you get closer to Deep Creek, you'll begin seeing tourists and runners.

Runner Notes

This is a fun trail that is 97% runnable. Even the steep sections can be run as they are short. The almost 2 mile downhill to Indian Creek Trail is a blast, but be aware of loose, wet rocks.

Description

I recommend the NG GSMNP trail map #229 for more details.

Begin by leaving the Deep Creek Trail parking lot; you'll cross a stone bridge and head up a forest service gravel road for 1 mile. The Indian Creek Motor Trailhead will be on your left; pass through forest service gate and begin the climb up toward the junction with Thomas Divide Trail (4 miles).

Once your crest the hill, you'll head toward Deep Plow Gap Trail (1.8 miles). Stay on Indian Creek Trail heading toward Deep Creek Trailhead for 3.7 miles. Follow signs to the Deep Creek Trailhead/Parking Lot to finish out the loop.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Kirby

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#7

in Deep Creek

#5172

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
33%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Deep Creek

#200

in North Carolina

#5,172

Overall
4 Views Last Month
2,188 Since Aug 19, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

Photos

Toms Branch Falls
Sep 3, 2015 near Bryson…, NC
The Noland Divide Trail
Mar 7, 2020 near Cherokee, NC
Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains NP.
Jul 27, 2016 near Bryson…, NC
View of Falls in the summer
May 9, 2018 near Bryson…, NC
Smoky Mountains
Mar 20, 2020 near Bryson…, NC
Tunnel
Mar 20, 2020 near Bryson…, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 45 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 23, 2019
Justin Zelda
This trail was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but definitely rewarding!! The first 4 miles was fairly difficult and had to walk… 10.2mi — 2h 39m
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.