Classic Hikes of the Smokies December hike: Deep Creek loop trail

The Classic Hikes of the Smokies series for 2015 ended the year with a hike of the Deep Creek loop trail and then a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains Association store for some holiday shopping.

Tom Branch waterfall — The Deep Creek loop hike included three waterfalls, including this one on Tom Branch.

Danny Bernstein on Deep Creek Hike — Hike leader Danny Bernstein shares information about Park history and nature features during Classic Hikes.

The hike included three waterfalls – Tom Branch, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Fall – that were running strong due to recent rain.

Hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein led the hike and provided insights about the hike area. For more photos from the hike, visit the Friends of the Smokies Facebook photo album.

After the hike, the group drove into Bryson City and visited the Bryson City Visitor Center, the heritage Museum and the GSMA store.

You can read more about the hike at Danny’s blog.

2015 was the fifth year for the Classic Hikes of the Smokies Series. The series provides hikers with the opportunity to join a group hike each month to a different trail in the GSMNP.

Information about the 2016 Classic Hikes series will be announced in an upcoming blog post.

Photos and hike details from Danny Bernstein and Anna Lee Zanetti.