Stone Pile Gap Trail to Deep Creek
A rugged Deep Creek hike with creek fords, mountain water, and a return to a favorite Smokies area.
We headed south to the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, North Carolina. It is a part of the park we return to year after year for its rugged trails, rushing water, and quiet mountain character.
Our route covered just under eight miles with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. We used Deep Creek Trail again, with Rock Pile Gap Trail at the beginning and end of the hike. The climb started right away, and five creek fords made the day feel especially adventurous.
The trail often felt like a rocky riverbed, but the challenge was part of the appeal. Beyond hiking, the Deep Creek area is a wonderful place for tubing, and we have often seen fly fishers catching trout in the water.