Mouse Creek Falls, Big Creek Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Mouse Creek Falls - 3.8 Miles
Big Creek Campground
Mouse Creek Falls
| Round-Trip Length: | 3.8 Miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 1,797' - 2,328' (2,348' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +531' net elevation gain (+578' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Mouse Creek Falls is accessed from the Big Creek Campground in the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Big Creek Trail follows an old rail grade along Big Creek for 1.9 miles to its confluence with Mouse Creek and the 45' fall. Visitors will enjoy excellent fishing, a stop at Midnight Hole Falls, and a lively stream setting on the hike to Mouse Creek Falls:
The Big Creek Trail heads southwest from the Big Creek Campground under a tall canopy of skinny hardwoods signaling past logging activity in the area. This now healthy forest boasts a luxuriant understory of rosebay rhododendron, dogwood, and magnolia that yield colorful spring blooms.
The trail runs high over Big Creek until merging beside it at 1.0 mile (2,055'), where you'll have access to several cascades and wide, slow moving sections ideal for angling. The trail reaches unmarked Midnight Hole Falls at 1.4 miles (2,149') , a 6' fall that slows into a notably large pool ideal for swimming and wading.
The trail continues up to a hitchrack and unmarked spur on the left that leads to a viewing area for Mouse Creek Falls (1.9 miles : 2,328'). Mouse Creek Falls is located on the far side of Big Creek, with three tiers tumbling 45' down a mossy rock chute. It's possible to cross Big Creek for a closer look, but inadvisable during peak flow. Those with time should consider continuing past the falls and crowds to explore more of Big Creek.
GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
View these GPS points on a Google Map
- N35 45.113 W83 06.615 — 0.0 miles : Big Creek Campground Trailhead
- N35 44.850 W83 07.040 — .5 miles : Gentle climb on wide gravel path
- N35 44.500 W83 07.392 — 1.0 miles : Level grade beside Big Creek
- N35 44.304 W83 07.640 — 1.4 miles : Midnight Hole Falls
- N35 44.117 W83 08.027 — 1.9 miles : Mouse Creek Falls
Worth Noting
- River Otter have been seen along lower sections of Big Creek.
- April-May visitors will enjoy brilliant blooms in the understory along Big Creek, with peak autumn colors lasting through late October at these lower elevations.
- Mild grades on a packed gravel path make the hike to Mouse Creek Falls ideal for families and trail runners.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- The Big Creek Campground is a tent-only campground. There are no designated backcountry campsites leading to Mouse Creek Falls, or past them on the Big Creek Trail. Sites #37 and #36 are located approximately 5.9 miles and 6.3 miles from the trailhead on the Camel Gap Trail, respectively.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit for all backcountry camping in the park. Backcountry permits are free and available at 14 visitor centers, campgrounds, and park office locations.
- Permit registration facilities are open 24 hours a day. Permits must be picked up in the park at designated locations. They are not available on the internet or through email.
- Advance reservations are required to camp at all Shelters and Backcountry Campsites 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 29, 36, 37, 38, 46, 47, 50, 55, 57, 60, 61, 71, 83, 86, 90, 113.
- Reservations for backcountry campsites may be obtained only by calling the Backcountry Office (865.436.1231). They are not available online or through email.
- If you do not plan to camp at a shelter or reserved campsite, then you only need to complete a permit.
- There is a 3 consecutive night stay maximum at any given campsite, and 1 night maximum at any shelter. The use of tents at shelters is prohibited. The maximum group size is 8 persons for sites and shelters.
- Open fires are prohibited except at designated sites and in established fire rings.
- All food and trash must be suspended at least 10' off the ground and 4' from the nearest limb or trunk, or stored as otherwise designated (e.g. bear box).
- The Backcountry Reservation Office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is permitted year-round, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.
- The park allows fishing in all streams except Bear Creek at its junction with Forney Creek, and Lynn Camp Prong upstream of its confluence with Thunderhead Prong.
- A valid fishing license from Tennessee or North Carolina is required to fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Either state license is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby towns or online.
- Daily Possession Limits: Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish. Twenty (20) rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit. A person must stop fishing immediately after obtaining the limit.
- Size Limits: Brook, rainbow, and brown trout: 7 inch minimum. Smallmouth bass: 7 inch minimum. Rockbass: no minimum. Trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken.
- Lures, Bait, and Equipment: Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used, with up to two flies on a leader.
Rules and Regulations
- There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP.
- Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails.
Directions
Big Creek Campground and Mouse Creek Falls are located in the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campground and trailhead are located 30.8 miles from Light #3 in Gatlinburg, TN, or 2 miles from Exit #451 on I-40.
From Light #3 in Gatlinburg, take Highway 321-73 North 17.8 miles to the turn for Cosby Camp - Highway 32. Turn right on Highway 32 toward Cosby Camp. Note HWY 32 soon becomes narrow with many sharp turns.
Highway 32 becomes a graded gravel road at 28.8 miles. Turn right on the well-marked sign for Big Creek Campground at 29.8 miles. Continue past the Ranger Station to the cul-de-sac parking lot for Big Creek Campground and the Big Creek Trail.
Contact Information
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Visitor Information - Recorded Message
865.436.1200
Backcountry Office - Camping and Reservations
The Backcountry Reservation Office is open from 8 am - 6 pm daily (EST)
865.436.1231
Backcountry Information Office - Trip Planning Questions
The information office is open daily 9 am - 12n (EST)
865.436.1297
Sugarlands Visitor Center (Tennessee side - north entrance)
865.436.1291
Oconaluftee Visitor Center (North Carolina side - south entrance)
828.497.1904
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