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Access Site NC

Barkers Creek

Tuckasegee River

Source: north_carolina_wildlife_resources_commission Updated 1 year ago

City: NC
County: Jackson
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 35.38907983, -83.29525116
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Run
II-III Take-out Tuckasegee - Section 3. Dillsboro to Rt. 1392 (Barkers Creek)
View Run
Current Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Tuckasegee River
4 runs
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Barkers Creek boat ramp provides public access to the Tuckasegee River in Jackson County, North Carolina. As a large river (7th order stream) with an average flow of over 1,800 cubic feet per second, the Tuckasegee offers ample water for kayaking, canoeing, and small drift boat use. The river has an average gradient of 30 feet per mile, providing a lively but not overly technical paddle.

The Barkers Creek access is located along US 441/74 at river mile 26.8, making it a convenient put-in for those wanting to explore this section of the Tuckasegee. The access area includes a boat ramp suitable for launching canoes, kayaks, and small boats. Nearby, the Deep Creek Group Camp offers reservable campsites if you're planning an overnight trip. While the Barkers Creek access itself does not have any listed fees or ADA accessibility, visitors should check the Recreation.gov information for the latest details on the adjacent Deep Creek facilities.
Federal Facility Information
828-488-3184 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Group Camp provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints.
The camp offers 92 individual sites, all with grills, tables and...

Overview
Located next to one of the most popular creeks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek Group Camp provides traditional primitive camping with the stunning backdrop of the mountains. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints.
The camp offers 92 individual sites, all with grills, tables and campfire rings, perfect for a meal or a late-night s'mores session. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.
Deep Creek is in the southeastern portion of the park and provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Because of its proximity to water, Deep Creek is an ideal campground for water recreation and books up quickly during summer months.
Recreation
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with plenty of trails easily accessible from the Deep Creek Group Site. An easy 1.6 mile roundtrip hike will allow you to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. Walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 mile to the junction with Indian Creek Trail. On your way you can view elegant Tom Branch Falls located on the far side of Deep Creek. Turn right at the junction with Indian Creek Trail and proceed approximately 200' to Indian Creek Falls. The falls are 25 feet in height.

Deep Creek runs on the edge of the campground and provides easily accessible fishing, wading and tubing. Visitors can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.Facilities
The camp offers three group sites, all with grills, tables and campfire rings, perfect for a family meal or a late-night s'mores session. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.Natural Features
Deep Creek is in the southeastern portion of the park and provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Because of it's proximity to water, Deep Creek is an ideal campground for water recreation and books up quickly during summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Although the Deep Creek Group Camp is available by reservation only, the nearby Deep Creek Campground offers first-come, first-served camping, and can also accommodate RV campers.

Bryson City, located about three miles away, offers grocery stores and medical facilities.Charges & Cancellations
Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

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Nearby Campgrounds (2 within 10 miles)
DEEP CREEK GROUP CAMP
On-site Reservable
Deep Creek Campground (NC)
On-site Reservable