Big Creek Trail (Mouse Creek Falls, Midnight Hole)

You can reach Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls via about 2 miles on Big Creek Trail in North Carolina. The entirety of the trail itself is one of the most beautiful river hikes in the whole national park.

Note: As of January 2025, Big Creek Trail remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Please check the national park website for the most up to date information on all trail and road closures.

The entirety of Big Creek Trail includes an elevation gain of just over 1000 feet. The trail is wide and not very steep with multiple access points to the water, making it a nice leisurely walk for children or inexperienced hikers.

Midnight Hole is located about 1.4 miles into the hike on Big Creek Trail. Midnight Hole is a deep natural pool resting below a picturesque 6 foot waterfall. At about 2.1 miles in you'll find Mouse Creek Falls, a 45 foot waterfall cascading into Big Creek. See other hiking trails in the Smokies.

Big Creek Trail is located at the Big Creek Campground near Waynesville, North Carolina. You can reach it from I40 at exit 451. The campground also houses the trailheads for Baxter Creek Trail and Chestnut Branch Trail.