Tom Branch Falls

Tom Branch Falls is a multi-tier cascade descending over stepped rock into Deep Creek. The path follows the near bank to benches facing the falls across the water. It is a good choice when you want a waterfall without a long climb. The direct walk is about 0.6 mile round trip with 47 feet of elevation gain; visitors describe it as easy and nearly level.

Tom Branch is one stop on the National Park Service's 2.4-mile Deep Creek waterfall loop, which also reaches Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls. You can make a short out-and-back to Tom Branch or turn the visit into a longer waterfall walk. The full loop has steeper sections, stairs, roots and rocks, so it takes more care than the short approach to these falls.

The cascade is on the far side of Deep Creek, with rock shelves and forest framing it. From the benches, keep a strip of moving water in the foreground and let the stepped falls fill the center of the frame. Deep Creek is also used for tubing and wading, so the waterside scene can feel lively rather than secluded.

The wider Deep Creek area carries some of the park's early history. The site of today's Deep Creek Campground served as the Deep Creek Civilian Conservation Corps camp from 1933 to 1936. Horace Kephart, a writer and advocate for creating the park, stayed with the Bob Barnett family on upper Deep Creek in 1910 and later used the old Bryson Place as a summer camp; a marker near backcountry campsite 57 commemorates it.

Park at the end of Deep Creek Road, beyond Deep Creek Campground. A parking tag is required if you leave your vehicle for more than 15 minutes. The nearest restroom listed by the park is at the campground and is available seasonally. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Visitor reports differ on whether parking feels ample or tight, so leave some flexibility on a busy day.