Waterfall Hero Hikes: GSMNP Big Creek

The Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the remote northeast of the park on the North Carolina side. It is easily accessed from I-40 at the Tennessee state line. The area is named for Big Creek, a major tributary of Pigeon River. The area features campgrounds, a picnic area, and access to many trails into the backcountry, including the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail.

Directions:

Ranger Station GPS: 35.75984,-83.10552
Day Use Area GPS: 35.75159,-83.10977

Take I-40 west from North Carolina to the first exit in Tennessee, 451. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp to go under the interstate. Turn right and then left on Tobes Creek Road to cross Pigeon River. Immediately after the bridge, turn left on Waterville Road to head back into North Carolina. In about 2 miles, the road will enter the park and turn to gravel. The Big Creek Ranger Station is on the right shortly past the entrance. The campgrounds and day-use parking are about a mile further down the road.

Map:

Trails:

Big Creek Trail:

Big Creek Trail starts from the Big Creek day use area parking and follows its namesake for 5 miles upstream. Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls are just off the trail at 1.5 and 2.0 miles, respectively. After Mouse Creek Falls, the trail crosses the creek on a large bridge and stays on this side for about 3 miles. At 5.1 miles, Swallow Fork Trail splits to the left, heading up towards Mount Sterling. Big Creek Trail crosses the creek once more and Low Gap Trail splits to the right. A backpacking and equestrian campsite are along here. Big Creek Trail ends at 5.8 miles and becomes Camel Gap Trail.