Midnight Hole © William Britten use with permission only
The Big Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on the eastern side, with the easiest access being from Interstate 40. Take the Waterville exit (451), which is the last Tennessee exit going east. Proceed through a hydroelectric plant, crossing into North Carolina, through a four-way rural intersection and into the Park. There is a campground and picnic area as well as excellent hiking. The Big Creek area was heavily timbered in the early part of the 20th century, and as a result, the Big Creek trail is a wide berm with an easy grade created to remove the trees with a rail line.
About a mile up the trail you’ll pass a jumble of huge boulders known as Rock House. Another half mile up the stream is Midnight Hole, which is a petite but picturesque waterfall that flows into a deep green pool that gives the waterfall it’s name. Be careful not to miss the short side-trail that detours over to the bottom of Midnight Hole. It’s an excellent swimming area in summer, and as you can see from the picture, a beautiful spot in the fall. Actually, this is a good hike any time of year.
But don’t stop now! Another half-mile up Big Creek is a second gem, where Mouse Creek plunges dramatically into Big Creek. This is another great spot in the fall, and the boulders will beckon you to sit down and eat your trail mix, or just meditate on the wonder of it all.
Mouse Creek Falls © William Britten use with permission only
If you continue on up the trail another several hundred yards, there is a footbridge that crosses Big Creek and another very attractive pool.
Please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.
I live in Gatlinburg TN, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies are a very spiritual place, and I attempt to capture some of that spirit in each of my photographs.
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i enjoyed your gallery very much. i am 71 with copd. i would like to see midnight hole. would you recomend that i try it due to the terrain?
Hi Jerry -
The trail up to Midnight Hole is an old railroad bed, so it’s wide and a very gentle grade.
bill thank you so much for your reply. i think i’ll give it a try. i have several pics on flicker under the name arookie . i only have my nicon 3600 and like it very well. if you have time look at some of my pics. would like to have a comment especaly on dsnc3100