About Mouse Creek Falls
Mouse Creek Falls is a 41-foot waterfall that cascades into Big Creek in the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park Service lists the hike as 4 miles round trip on the Big Creek Trail, about half a mile past Midnight Hole. A log bench near the falls is a good place to rest.
The trail
The Big Creek Trail follows an old logging railroad grade, so the climb is gentle for most of the way, with the creek beside you. Midnight Hole, a deep pool, is about 1.5 miles in, and Mouse Creek Falls follows about half a mile later. Do not climb the rocks near the falls; they are slippery from mist and algae.
Trail status
Hurricane Helene damaged the trail farther up the valley, and the park closures page said in October 2026 that the Big Creek Trail is closed beyond the first two miles, at Mouse Creek Falls. That makes this waterfall the end of the line for now. Check the page before you drive out.
Getting there
Take I-40 to exit 451 near Waterville, North Carolina, then follow signs to the Big Creek area. Parking is at the Big Creek Picnic Area near the trailhead, which has seasonal restrooms. Entry to the park is free, but any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual). Federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace it, and the tag must be displayed in your vehicle. The Big Creek Campground next door has 12 tent-only sites.
When to go
- Spring: Rhododendron blooms late May to mid-June and the creek runs high.
- Summer: A cool, shaded walk.
- Fall: Good color and thinner crowds than the Gatlinburg side.
- Winter: Icy sections; bring traction.
Know before you go
Bears are common, so keep food sealed. Dogs are not allowed. Cell service is poor along the trail.
Good to know
- How tall is Mouse Creek Falls?
- Mouse Creek Falls drops about 41 feet.
- How far is the hike to Mouse Creek Falls?
- It is about 2 miles each way, rated easy.
- Can you swim or climb at the falls?
- Please don’t climb on or around waterfalls. Wet rock and algae are extremely slick, and falls from waterfalls are a leading cause of death in the Smokies. Enjoy the view from the trail.
- Do I need a parking tag?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
