DESTINATION Deep Creek - Martin's Gap - Sunkota Ridge Loop 1 Photoset
2025-05-16 | |
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| Hiking | 14.19 Miles |
2,751 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.19 Miles | 5 Hrs 3 Mns | | 2.91 mph |
| 2,751 ft AEG | 10 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | On the fourth day of my weeklong trip to North Carolina, I decided to go with the Deep Creek / Martins Gap / Sunkota Ridge Loop. It looked like a fun hike that featured a variety of waterfalls and covered some miles. I left my Airbnb and made the short drive to Bryson City and headed for the Deep Creek Trailhead. I was on trail at 9am Eastern and headed in.
I opted for a Clockwise loop and hit Juney Whank Falls first, which was a nice waterfall. I would continue and then drop down to Deep Creek where the trail follows an old road parallel to the creek. I laugh because this “creek” would be a full blown river in Az! I made good time along this stretch and eventually crossed a footbridge where a guy was fishing. From there it’s a typical hiking trail that continues to parallel the creek. It’s mostly easy going and there’s a section that climbs up and away from the creek that takes you over a ridge and eventually drops back to the creek level. Along this stretch I passed a half dozen backpackers who were making their exit. I noticed most of them had inflatables for the creek. Apparently this is a very popular activity with Deep Creek. I would continue on and came upon their campsite #59. I was discouraged to see trash in their fire pit.
I continued hiking along Deep Creek and passed Campsite #58 and then #57. I honestly don’t have any desire to backpack out here, it doesn’t look appealing. Perhaps my attitude will change someday. I kept at it and then turned right onto the Martins Gap Trail. This section is in great condition as it makes a steady climb to Martins Gap, which was a four way intersection. I actually thought it was on a three way and started hiking but realized I was going the wrong way as the trail was making a big drop in elevation. I was expecting to hike along the Sunkota Ridge. I returned to the intersection and noticed my mistake.
The hike along Sunkota Ridge went really well. This is a nice section of trail and I made good time. Views were limited as it’s mostly dense vegetation but I enjoyed it. It was very cool temperature wise and I was protected from the sun most of the way. I continued on and eventually dropped to Indian Creek where I turned to the SW and followed another section of old road parallel to the creek. Along the way I passed Indian Creek Falls and then Tom Branch Falls. Both are worthy waterfalls and are relatively close to the trailhead. I arrived back to the trailhead around 2pm where I took a break and then headed into Bryson City for some touristing. I still have a few more days of hiking ahead of me.
This was a worthwhile hike and I’m glad I did. There are several loops that can be done from this trailhead. I would return the next day and hike a loop just to the east. |
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