Waterfall Wednesday is back today with a quick look at a great waterfall located in the Deep Creek Area of the Great Smoky Mountains. Chris and I spent a weekend in the Bryson City, NC area and took a quick hike to see Tom Branch Falls.
There are actually 3 waterfalls in the area that can be seen fairly easily. Access to the falls is very easy. From downtown Bryson City simply follow the signs to Deep Creek Campground. After you enter the park (Great Smoky Mountain National Park) drive on the paved road past the campground entrance and the picnic areas. There is a turnaround and plenty of parking in a paved lot.
There are only 2 trails in the park that allow pets to accompany their humans so make sure to make note of that if you have Fido along. The hikes to these waterfalls were pet free.
Tom Branch Fall is a really lovely spot and it is a mere .24 miles from the trailhead so almost anyone can walk it. There are even a few benches located across from the falls for easy sitting and viewing.
The multilevel cascades about 75 feet with very little watershed. The River Basin is the Little Tennessee. The waterfall is probably best viewed in the winter or early spring when the foliage is not so heavy and the water level is higher. The day we visited we were able to view it really well.
We watched a family enjoy their time on the rocks on the bank and their little boy was named Micah which made me smile. It is a beautiful spot to stop for a spell.
I wondered why the name was Tom Branch and did a bit of research. Apparently it is thought that it is named after Tom Wiggins who operated a gristmill on the stream from 1854-1892. Whoever it is named after it is a really beautiful waterfall and a beautiful spot.
The short hike to the falls was nice and we enjoyed seeing a few wildflowers along the way. I am not exactly sure enough of what these two are to identify them so any of my wildflower experts out there chime in if you know what kind of plants these are.
The stream as lovely to walk along and it was the perfect end to a perfect day of sightseeing in Bryson City.
My all time favorite book to use for local waterfalls is North Carolina Waterfalls by Kevin Adams. It is a hiking and photography guide and gives detailed information about the falls, the hikes, hints for photography and more. It is not a travel book as it is quite heavy but it is a great resource that I was able to use for this post. Check it out.
Today is the last day to Comment for a Cause for UMCOR – Hurricane Florence Recovery. Tomorrow I will announce our donation amount and the new cause for November so make sure you stop by.
22 Comments
Leave a commentPretty! I’ll have to get this book!
It’s an A+ book— lots of great info.
Don’t get it! I have an extra copy!!!! Happy to share!
Everything in the Great Smoky Mountains is beautiful, including this!
I totally agree. The Great Smoky Mountains are pretty spectacular.
gorgeous!
Thanks-for-the-tour.
Anytime! I wish you could hear the water! I should have posted a video!
Love it! I’m obsessed with waterfalls!
Me, too! There are just so special and each one has a different feel to it. Another thing we share in common is our love of waterfalls!
I loce the pictures of waterfalls! Each one is so different. I can imagine the crisp, clean air and the peaceful sounds that usually accompany the beauty.
Thanks, Mary Ellen. Waterfalls are one of my favorite things and I have not posted any for a long time. Need to get my pictures organized and post some more Waterfall Wednesdays. We visited a new one today so that may be up next week!
*love not loce💗
What a gorgeous spot. Looks so relaxing too.
It really was a lovely spot and we just enjoyed being there without any distractions or destinations. A spur of the moment trip that turned out even better than imagined.
Those are often the best!
Such a pretty place! I found out the hard way that the Smoky Mountain National Park doesn’t let dogs walk the trails. Luckily I found one where we were allowed to walk together. This place looks wonderful! So glad you were able to share it with us.
There are a couple that they allow dogs on I guess but I kind of understand why they limit it. Even though I LOVE dogs not all dog owners are responsible like you and sometimes there are issues. It makes it difficult for all the other folks who are responsible! Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful pictures. I love waterfalls something so peaceful about them. We are hoping to be back in the mountains soon.
Lovely pictures. I have to take a look at that book for my waterfall adventures when we come to NC. I already have one on the list for when we are there in Nov. Hopefully we’ll make it. If not, next summer is not so far away. 🙂
It’s an A+ book in my opinion! Hope to see you next visit!
Nice to see other waterfalls online…the one below the Cat Sanctuary was roaring this morning.
I do love my waterfalls. I just need to get more posts written about them!!!