| |
Deep Creek tubing is no easy float down
a lazy river — it's a wild whitewater ride
 For generations, families have
been coming back to Deep Creek to enjoy tubing in its swift, cool
mountain waters. From the parking lot at
the Deep Creek trailhead, two miles north of Bryson City, you carry
your inner tube upstream about a mile into the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. The put-in is at the convergence of Indian Creek and
Deep Creek where the sign says “No tubing beyond this point.”
Described as Nature’s Best Water Ride, the Deep Creek course
consists of two sections: (1) The upper “whitewater” section,
which flows from Indian Creek through the narrow Deep Creek gorge.
This is a wild, bouncy ride that often separates the rider from the
tube, especially when the water is swift from spring rains.  At
the end of the rapids section, there’s a wide, deep swimming
hole that provides a relaxing break before getting back on the tube.
(2) The lower section, which is wider, easier going and more appropriate
for smaller kids, ends at the parking lot. Put-in for this section
is at the swimming hole just above the first bridge on the Deep Creek
trail.
There are several outfitters offering
tube rentals near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance
on West Deep Creek Road. Some have changing rooms and showers. You
can choose from different types of tubes — with seats and without — which
can be rented for less than $5 a day. It’s advisable to wear
a bathing suit or shorts and tee shirt and secure shoes. Watches
and loose jewelry should be left behind. And eyeglasses should be
secured with a head strap. Finally, because Deep Creek is a cool
mountain stream, you should bring towels and a change of dry clothes.
For a guide to water activities in Swain County, click here for a downloadable PDF.
| Deep Creek Tube Center |
 |
|
|
|
| Deep Creek Lodge/Creekside Tubing |
|
|
|
|
| Deep Creek Store & Tubes |
|
|
|
|
| J. J. Tubes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
This website is a service of the
Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
210 Main Street
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Wilmot,
Director
800-867-9246 toll-free
828-488-3681 local
828-488-6858 fax
|
