Mouse Creek Falls - Hike Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains


Trail Features:		Waterfalls
Trail Location:		Big Creek
Roundtrip Length:		4.0 miles
Total Elevation Gain:		580 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:		290 feet
Highest Elevation:		2240 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating:		5.16 (moderate)
Parking Lot Latitude:		35.75188
Parking Lot Longitude:		- 83.11024

Directions to Trailhead:

From I-40, take the Waterville Road Exit (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at the end of the road. The Big Creek trailhead is on the right just before the parking area, but doesn't list Mouse Creek Falls as a destination.

Trail Description:

The Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade, built by the Crestmont logging company in the early 1900's to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom. The trail was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1930's when it was converted for hiking use.

This is a great hike for novice hikers because the trail is relatively smooth, and is a gradual climb of only 580 feet over the course of the two miles to Mouse Creek Falls.

At first the trail climbs high above the Big Creek Campground, and away from the creek, but in approximately one-half mile it rejoins the creek again. For the rest of this hike you never leave the sight or sounds of the creek. Wildflowers and rhododendron line the trail throughout this section.

As you climb you'll see a boulder field to the right of the trail. This is one of the remnants from the logging days. The erosion caused by stripping the mountainside of trees has exposed these underlying boulders. Logging has left many permanent scars like this throughout the Smokies.

At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6-foot falls. If you're lucky you may be able to see a trout scooting around the hole.

At 2 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view the 45-foot Mouse Creek Falls, which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls tumble over moss covered rocks through some tall hemlocks. This is great place to drop your pack, break out the camera, and grab a snack or picnic lunch.