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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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North Carolina (NC)
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Distance:
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16.9 mi
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Difficulty:
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7 / 10
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Rating:
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 4 rating(s)
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In a park know for abundant and beautiful creeks, they don't get any better than the one called Big. And the first part of the route follows an old railroad grade--used to transport trees during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century--making for a gentle entry into the deceptively steep Smokies. Allow plenty of time for frequent stops at swimming holes and a waterfall in the first few miles of the hike: Midnight Hole is a deep blue gem just 1.4 miles in; Mouse Creek Falls is a 45-foot cascade just a bit farther. (Tip: Camp along the Big Creek Trail just beyond the old logging camp at Walnut Bottom.) Spend the second night atop 5,760-foot Mt. Sterling, where there's a small glade with prime tent sites and a lookout tower with magical views.
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.
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Datum: |
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Big Creek
| Dist: 16.86 mi |
Points: 6579 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
GSM001
Location: 35.751798°, -83.109630°
From the trailhead, head southwest
GSM002
Location: 35.743294°, -83.120911°
Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below
GSM003
Location: 35.735725°, -83.133820°
Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek
GSM004
Location: 35.735714°, -83.146076°
Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles
GSM005
Location: 35.718628°, -83.162918°
Veer 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
GSM006
Location: 35.691531°, -83.139596°
Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection
GSM007
Location: 35.686494°, -83.141806°
Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path
GSM008
Location: 35.697351°, -83.125906°
Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline
GSM009
Location: 35.702196°, -83.122301°
Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail
GSM010
Location: 35.717755°, -83.108890°
Straight @ Y
GSM011
Location: 35.746617°, -83.113954°
Hike through flat, tree-covered area, once home to a logging camp
GSM012
Location: 35.750735°, -83.108922°
Turn L; cross Big Creek; return to parking lot
Great Smoky Mountains
Location: 35.699895°, -83.124361°
Overlook of mountains at sunset. ©Jason Sangster
