Big Creek Falls Trail, Midnight Hole, & Mouse Creek Falls - Burnsville, NC
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The Ultimate Smoky Mountain Detour: Big Creek Trail to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Before dropping our son, Alex, off for his environmental science intensive program, Ginger and I knew we needed one last epic family adventure. Our destination? Sewanee: The University of the South, a prestigious liberal arts college sprawling across over 13,000 gorgeous acres of Tennessee wilderness. Alex was heading there for a specialized environmental science intensive program for high school students, and since we were driving out from North Carolina, we couldn't resist a detour into the Great Smoky Mountains for an incredible 8-mile trek along the Big Creek Falls Trail.
If you are looking for rolling whitewater, deep swimming holes, rock scrambling, and stunning waterfalls, this classic trail has it all. Here is how we spent our final morning together on the trail before dropping him off for check-in.
Whitewater Rapids and Swimming Holes
The hike begins along an old logging railroad grade, following the path of Big Creek as it roars down the mountain. The sound of rapid, rolling water accompanied us the entire way. It didn't take long before we reached our first major milestone: Midnight Hole.
This legendary swimming hole is framed by massive boulders, where the emerald-green water pools beneath a pair of short, powerful rapids. Alex and Ginger couldn't wait to scramble over the rocks to get a closer look. The water was crisp, clear, and absolutely refreshing—a perfect spot to cool down and watch the swift currents churn through the gorge.
Chasing Mouse Creek Falls
Continuing up the trail, the terrain offered plenty of fun challenges, from minor creek crossings to rocky patches that required a bit of careful footwork. About two miles into the hike, we encountered Mouse Creek Falls.
This gorgeous 35-foot waterfall splits over a series of mossy rock ledges before crashing directly into Big Creek. A small side trail leads down to a perfect viewing area where we sat on the boulders, took in the mist, and watched the waterfalls merge. It felt incredibly fitting to explore such a rich, diverse ecosystem right before dropping Alex off to spend his summer studying in an environmental science intensive program.
Boba Tea and Program Check-In
After wrapping up our 8-mile round-trip journey, we hit the road toward Tennessee to get Alex settled into his environmental science intensive program. After hours of rock scrambling and hiking under the summer sun, we treated ourselves to some well-deserved boba tea to celebrate a successful day on the trail.
Dropping Alex off at Sewanee's massive, breathtaking campus was exciting, and wrapping up our time together with a classic Smoky Mountain hike made it an unforgettable trip. Now, it's time for him to study the science behind the wild spaces we love to explore!
Hike Information Summary
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Location: Great Smoky Mountains (near Burnsville, NC / TN border)
Highlights: Midnight Hole swimming area, Mouse Creek Falls, rolling rapids, and scenic boulder fields
Terrain: Gradual incline on an old railroad grade with sections of rock scrambling and creek crossings
Post-Hike Treat: Boba tea and exploring the beautiful 13,000+ acre Sewanee campus
Rolling stone gathers no moss