Near Big Creek Trail
Walnut Bottom (Campsite 37)
Near Big Creek Trail
Big Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Near Big Creek Trail
Big Creek Trailhead - Bridge Crossing.
Near Big Creek Trail
At the trailhead
Near Big Creek Trail
Big Creek

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Big Creek Trail

4.1 (11 Ratings)
A scenic 6.5 mile trail along the beautiful Big Creek, leading to the Mt. Sterling fire tower.
5.7
mi
Distance
1,373
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
All campsites must be registered with the Great Smokey National Park, which can be done here.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.69mi
Distance
1,373ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
3,105ft
High Point
1,733ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Beginning at the Big Creek campground, follow the sign to the Big Creek trailhead. Roughly 1.5 miles in, visitors can find the Midnight Hole Falls and the Mouse Creek Falls at 2 miles. This is ideal for those looking for a short journey with a nice view of the falls. The trail is a steady ascent, but the grade is not terribly strenuous and is remarkably consistent. You won't have to worry about many obstacles while on trail, so take your time to appreciate your surroundings. It's 5.1 miles from the campground to Walnut Bottom (Campsite 37), with a moderate elevation gain. At the campsite, there is ample room for tents and hammocks and there's a water source in close proximity. Multiple fire pits can be found at the campsite and there is usually a decent supply of firewood in the surrounding area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
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Nearby Hike Routes

Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls

Hike Route

Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls

Waterfall
easy
2 mi
+550 ft
Mt. Sterling Loop (Big Creek / Baxter Creek)

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Mt. Sterling Loop (Big Creek / Baxter Creek)

Birding
strenuous
16.73 mi
+4,286 ft
Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

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Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail

Less Crowded
strenuous
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+4,160 ft
Tricorner Knob Loop via Appalachian Trail

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Tricorner Knob Loop via Appalachian Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
33.45 mi
+7,303 ft
Mount Cammerer

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Mount Cammerer

Views
extreme
15.9 mi
+3,364 ft
Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap

Hike Route

Mt. Cammerer from Low Gap

Fall Colors
strenuous
10.41 mi
+3,096 ft
Contributors
Max Willner