Deep Creek - Sunkota Loop
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Area Location: Smoky Mountain National Park
Trailhead Location: Deep Creek Campground
Trailend Location: same
Hike Type: Loop
Hiking Distance (miles): 13
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Range (feet): 1929 / 3860
Total Elevation Gain (feet) : 2700
Total Elevation Descent (feet) : 2700
Route Map: 0502_map.pdf (will appear in a new tab or window) (Last update: Unknown)
Route Profile: 0502_profile.pdf (will appear in a new tab or window) (Last update: Unknown)
Download GPX track: 0502_track.gpx (Last update: Unknown)
Google Map: 0502_track.gpx (only shows first track in file (sorry))
Trail Description: Deep Creek Trail to right onto Martin's Gap Trail; right onto Sunkotoa Trail; left onto Loop Trail; right onto Indian Creek Trail; left onto Deep Creek Trail to trailhead.Hike along beautiful Deep Creek, then climb up to and on Sunkota Ridge. Good winter views from ridge.
Topos: Bryson City, Clingman's Dome
Challenges: 900M
Special Features:
Special Flower Season: April
DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center
2nd Meeting Place: Waynesville Rest Stop on US 23/74
Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 135
Driving Directions: I-26 E to I-40 W to exit 27; US 23/74 S to Bryson City exit; drive through Bryson City (right, then left) to GSMNP Deep Creek trailhead
Notes: The Bryson City Boy Scouts placed a memorial to Horace Kephart near campsite 57, marking his last permanent campsite. Tricky footing on south part of Sunkota Ridge. Be carefull in winter.
Edit History: cf 2-5-08; BB1-5-12
Hike History: A0601(cancelled), A0801, A1201
Click on the date below for details of a previous, scheduled hike. ( (c) means the hike was canceled.)Date |
Hike Type | Hike Name | Hike Leader |
| Feb 26, 2012 | Weekend | Deep Creek – Sunkota Ridge | Janet Martin |
| Feb 28, 2010 | Weekend | Deep Creek – Sunkota Ridge | Bob Hysko |
| Feb 3, 2008 | Weekend | Deep Creek – Sunkota Ridge loop 7 | Charlie Ferguson |
| Feb 5, 2006 (c) | Weekend | Deep Creek – Sunkota Ridge loop | Don Gardner |