To truly appreciate the beauty of North Carolina, lace up your hiking boots and hit one of the state’s many trails. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the scenery; there are plenty of easy paths that are perfect for kids and beginners. The Deep Creek Loop Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains is one of our favorites.

If you want to bask in North Carolina’s beauty, but you’re not an expert hiker, take the Deep Creek Trail. You’ll find it in the Great Smoky Mountains, north of Bryson City.

Stephen Clark/Alltrails

This loop trail is shady and green, and it’s a pleasant stroll. Pack a snack or lunch - this hike is 4.6 miles long, so your adventure will be a few hours long.

PH charleston/Google

You’ll barely get down the trail before you reach Tom Branch Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that meanders down the rocks into the creek below. It’s the first of three waterfalls on this loop.

Justin P/Alltrails

If you time your visit right after a rainstorm, the falls will be even more impressive. Take a seat on one of the benches to sit and admire it for a few minutes.

Nick Shetley/Google

This trail has several side trails, and you’ll definitely want to take the time to divert to the Indian Creek Trail. Indian Creek Falls is a 45-foot waterfall that skims right over the rocks.

Elizabeth Savage/Alltrails

Cross the pretty bridge and stop to take in the pretty creek.

Tom Asaro/Alltrails

As you near the end of the loop, you’ll come to a branch trail for Juney Whank Falls. Take the branch trail to see this 80-foot cascade that tumbles down the cliff right next to the bridge. From the falls, it’s just a quarter-mile back to the trailhead.

Steven Meade/Google

Have you hiked Deep Creek Loop? Tell us about your adventures!

Stephen Clark/Alltrails

PH charleston/Google

Justin P/Alltrails

Nick Shetley/Google

Elizabeth Savage/Alltrails

Tom Asaro/Alltrails

Steven Meade/Google

Looking for more waterfalls in North Carolina? You can see four waterfalls in just one day of hiking on this trail.

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