Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop

Author:	ryantp1
Date:	9 May 2006 8:08:11 PM
Activity:	Not Specified
State:	North Carolina (NC)
Distance:	16.68 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 7375 ft Total Loss: 7365 ft Net Change: 11 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
Tags:	loop, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, Waynesville
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

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

Dist: 16.68 mi	Points: 1637	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Great Smokies: Big Creek

Points of Interest

Great Smoky Mountains

Location: 35.699829°, -83.120453°
Overlook of mountains at sunset. ©Jason Sangster

GSM001

Location: 35.751839°, -83.109741°
From parking area, begin @ Big Creek trailhead on L side of road 0309246E 3958477N

GSM002

Location: 35.743290°, -83.120911°
Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below 0308215E 3957550N

GSM003

Location: 35.735729°, -83.133820°
Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek 0307030E 3956736N

GSM004

Location: 35.735710°, -83.145416°
Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles 0305981E 3956758N

GSM005

Location: 35.718632°, -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 0304356E 3954897N

GSM006

Location: 35.691662°, -83.139259°
Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection 0306431E 3951859N

GSM007

Location: 35.686470°, -83.141693°
Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path 0306199E 3951287N

GSM008

Location: 35.698261°, -83.125198°
Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline 0307719E 3952563N

GSM009

Location: 35.702339°, -83.122581°
Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail 0307966E 3953011N