Juney Whank Falls
The Deep Creek access in the GSMNP is a popular day hiking area. It is a 5 minute drive from downtown Bryson City, so there are a number of morning and evening hikers, often with babies or dogs. The area is also a popular tubing area with several concessionaires right before the park entrance. A bit chilly for tubing today. And the creek is stocked with trout. To add to all that, a 2 mile hike will take you to 3 premier waterfalls. Ironically, none are on Deep Creek itself. The creek cuts a deep gorge through here, causing tributaries to drop significantly.
It just begs to be asked - what or who is Juney Whank? Well, there was a local fellow named Junaluska "Juney" Whank. That guy was named in honor of the famous Cherokee Chief Junaluska.
from Wikipedia: Junaluska was born around 1775, approximately 15 miles south of Franklin, North Carolina near present-day Dillard, Georgia. A few days after his birth, the cradle-board holding him fell over. He was called Gu-Ka-Las-Ki or Gulkalaski in the Cherokee language, meaning "one who falls from a leaning position".
I have also read the word Junaluska in Cherokee, translates to "bear who passes by". Take your pick.
After passing by Juney Whank falls, follow this trail down to Deep Creek to view the other 2 waterfalls.
Next up is Tom Branch Falls. This one cascades right into Deep Creek.
To continue the tour, walk upcreek to the Indian Creek Trail. A very short stroll up it and you are there.
Down the steps to the plunge pool.
Indian Creek Falls
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