Deep Creek is part of the Little Tennessee River drainage on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and flows about 15 miles before emptying into the Tuckasegee River at Bryson City.
Fly fishing is very good and rewarding for the entire length of Deep Creek where catching a rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout in a single outing is possible. Approximately 90% of the stream lies within the GSMNP and is regulated for single hook artificial lures only.
The Deep Creek Trail follows the creek from the Newfound Gap Road to the Deep Creek Campground. The Deep Creek trailhead is located on the Newfound Gap Road (RT 441) about half way between Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN (see map above).
Starting at the trailhead, the hike to Bryson City is approximately 13 miles with several campsites located along the way. The trail can be very steep and grueling at times.
The lower end of Deep Creek is accessible from the Deep Creek Campground via Bryson City. On the lower end of Deep Creek, the best fishing is above Indian Creek Falls, below this point the river is frequently used by tubers in the summer.