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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop
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| Author: | jgatscher |
| Activity: | Not Specified |
| State: | North Carolina (NC) |
| Distance: | 16.68 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
Take in a bit of history on this 16.9-mile loop through the eastern Smokies, and reward yourself with one of the park's best views from the Mt. Sterling lookout tower. TO TRAILHEAD: From Knoxville, follow I-40 to Waterville; exit SW. Turn R then veer L onto Waterville Rd. Follow straight to Big Creek entrance. Pass ranger station and park in lot just beyond Big Creek trailhead.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
GSM01
| Distance: 16.68 mi | Points: 1637 |
Great Smokies: Big Creek
Points of Interest
Great Smoky Mountains
Location: 35.699829, -83.120453Overlook of mountains at sunset. ©Jason Sangster
GSM001
Location: 35.751839, -83.109741From parking area, begin @ Big Creek trailhead on L side of road 0309246E 3958477N
GSM002
Location: 35.743290, -83.120911Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below 0308215E 3957550N
GSM003
Location: 35.735729, -83.133820Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek 0307030E 3956736N
GSM004
Location: 35.735710, -83.145416Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles 0305981E 3956758N
GSM005
Location: 35.718632, -83.162918Veer L onto Swallow Fork Trail; pass through Walnut Bottom (old logging camp, now tree-filled). Option: Stay straight on Big Creek Trail for great campsite 0304356E 3954897N
GSM006
Location: 35.691662, -83.139259Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection 0306431E 3951859N
GSM007
Location: 35.686470, -83.141693Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path 0306199E 3951287N
GSM008
Location: 35.698261, -83.125198Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline 0307719E 3952563N
GSM009
Location: 35.702339, -83.122581Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail 0307966E 3953011N
GSM010
Location: 35.717659, -83.108871Straight @ Y 0309243E 3954683N
GSM011
Location: 35.746731, -83.114151Hike through flat, tree-covered area, once home to a logging camp 0308835E 3957919N
GSM012
Location: 35.750061, -83.109863Turn L; cross Big Creek; return to parking lot 0309231E 3958279N
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