Deep Gap Branch
North Carolina
Free — you'll pick up right here.
4.8 mi
Distance
3,216 ft
Gain
1h 46m
Time
Conditions: Blocked
for hike, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 10 h ago · oldest 10 h
problem: Agency alerts
43 active alerts in National Forests in North Carolina; most severe: Siddie Fields Day Use Area closed for improvements
USFSPosted Sep 28 · checked 10 h ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 66°F / low 50°F, 0% precip — 95/100 for hike
OpenWeather10 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
Here's your day, mapped
Deep Gap Branch
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Meals
Gear for the day
Elevation & route
- Distance
- 4.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,216 ft
- Elevation loss
- 3,216 ft
- Highest point
- 4,336 ft
- Lowest point
- 2,828 ft
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
- Managing agency
- Forest Service
- Wilderness area
- Southern Nantahala Wilderness
- Bikes
- Not allowed
- Surface
- Natural
Source for bikes, surface: USDA Forest Service National Forest System Trails (EDW)
About this trail
Deep Gap Branch is a challenging 4.80-mile out-and-back trail in Tennessee that offers access to a network of backcountry routes including the Appalachian Trail, Beech Gap Connector, and Beech Creek Trail. This hard-difficulty hike rewards experienced hikers with the opportunity to explore multiple trail connections and experience the interconnected wilderness system of the region. The out-and-back format allows you to venture into the backcountry and return via the same route, making it ideal for those seeking a substantial day hike.
Facts about this trail
The climb
- High point
- 4,336 ft
- Total climbing
- 3,216 ft
- Total descent
- 3,216 ft
- Steepest stretch
- 43% grade around mile 1 on the way out
- Length (round trip)
- 4.8 mi
- Shape
- Out and back
Source: Roamze elevation profile and trail geometry (DEM samples along the mapped route)
Where it is
- Southern Nantahala Wilderness · Wilderness
- Nantahala Ranger District · Ranger district
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · National Park Service
- National Forests in North Carolina · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Source: Wilderness.net boundaries; USFS EDW boundaries; NPS Land Resources boundaries; USGS PAD-US 4.1
Conditions
Active alerts for Nantahala Ranger District as of Oct 9, 2026:
Arrowood Glade Alcohol Prohibitions- Nantahala Ranger District
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Finger Lake Area Prohibitions- Nantahala Ranger District
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Connely Creek Road (NFSR 86) Closure
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Old Appalachian TrailHiking0.2 mi
- Big ScaleyHiking1.1 mi
- Chunky GalHiking1.3 mi
- Standing Indian Campground StoreCamping2.9 mi
- Pickens NoseRock climbing5.5 mi
- Top Rope WallRock climbing5.5 mi
- Tate Branch CampgroundCamping5.9 mi
- A.t. Plum Orchard ShelterCamping6.8 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
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