Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
Swimming hole in Knoxville, North Carolina · Waterfall
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots is a falls, creek swimming hole. It is near Knoxville, North Carolina. Access is free. Best season: summer (June to August) for warm temperatures and optimal.
Typical season: summer (June to August) for warm temperatures and optimal
About Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots lies in North Carolina. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.
Fed by cold, clear mountain streams tumbling down ancient ridgelines, Big Creek and its tributary Mouse Creek offer a string of . The pool's depth and the constant agitation from the falls create a cool, invigorating soak that hikers describe as one of the most satisfying .
Reaching it requires a moderate hike of roughly two miles along the Big Creek Trail, where rocky footing demands sturdy shoes and a bit of sure-footedness. If Midnight Hole is the headliner, the supporting cast is equally compelling. A natural . Perfect for families or anyone who wants a quick plunge without committing to a longer hike. Further along the trail, a secluded unnamed hole waits beside a small waterfall, offering the kind of private, serene experience that rewards those willing to explore. Mouse Creek Falls provides another opportunity for a thrilling cascade swim, while the Tranquil Pool on Big Creek. Complete with a diving rock. Delivers exactly what its name promises.
No lifeguards patrol Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Falls, Creek
- Water body
- Big Creek, Mouse Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Knoxville
- State
- North Carolina
- Best season
- summer (June to August) for warm temperatures and optimal . Spring offers vibrant wildflowers, while fall provides stunning foliage for photography.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate - trails range from 1 to 2.5 miles with some rocky paths, requiring sturdy footwear and basic hiking experience.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Big Creek Campground is at the site. It is a short distance walk-in to the sites, tents only.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- Picnic tables and toilets are available at the Big Creek Recreation Area. Camping is offered at Big Creek Campground with walk-in tent sites.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit summer (June to August) for warm temperatures and optimal . Spring offers vibrant wildflowers, while fall provides stunning foliage for photography.
- Access Moderate - trails range from 1 to 2.5 miles with some rocky paths, requiring sturdy footwear and basic hiking experience.
- Facilities Picnic tables and toilets are available at the Big Creek Recreation Area. Camping is offered at Big Creek Campground with walk-in tent sites.
- Camping nearby Big Creek Campground is at the site. It is a short distance walk-in to the sites, tents only.
Highlights & features
- Easily accessible swimming hole at the picnic area
- Secluded unnamed hole with a waterfall
- Midnight Hole’s jacuzzi-like double falls
- Mouse Creek Falls for thrilling cascade swimming
- Tranquil Pool on Big Creek with diving rock
- Jacuzzi-like pool at Midnight Hole
- Historical Cherokee trails nearby
- Varied swimming holes with unique features
How to get there
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots lies in North Carolina near Knoxville, Asheville, and Waterville. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
-
Overview
Big Creek Smoky Mountains . These . Below are detailed directions to reach each .
-
From Asheville, head west on Interstate 40 (I-40).
-
Take Exit 451, marked as the Waterville exit.
After exiting, turn south and cross the Pigeon River. Continue on the paved road, passing Carolina Power and Light facilities.
-
Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park and proceed straight through the intersection onto a gravel road.
Follow the gravel road until you reach the Big Creek Recreation Area.
-
Park in the designated parking area near the hiking and picnic area.
1. Big Creek Location: This . Directions: After parking, walk to the picnic area. The . This spot is easy to access and a strong choice for families or casual visitors. Coordinates: Latitude 35.75011, Longitude -83.11031 Google Maps Link 2. Unnamed Location: Accessible via the Big Creek Trail. Directions: From the parking area, locate the trailhead for Big Creek Trail, which is signed for Walnut Bottoms. Begin hiking on this rustic road-like trail. After about 1 mile (about 25 minutes of walking), look for a rocky path on the left. This path leads down to a . Coordinates: Latitude 35.73681, Longitude -83.12892 Google Maps Link 3. Midnight Hole Location: A popular . Directions: Continue hiking on the Big Creek Trail past the Unnamed . At about 1.5 miles from the trailhead (about 40 minutes of walking), you will see tumbled-down stone steps on the left. Follow this path to reach Midnight Hole, where a small waterfall drops into a stunning, jacuzzi-like . Coordinates: Latitude 35.737, Longitude -83.129 Google Maps Link 4. Mouse Creek Falls Location: A scenic waterfall along the Big Creek Trail. Directions: Continue hiking on the Big Creek Trail past Midnight Hole. At about 2 miles from the trailhead, you will hear the sound of Mouse Creek Falls. Look for a horse hitching rail nearby, and follow the short path leading to the falls. Coordinates: Latitude 35.73417, Longitude -83.13389 Google Maps Link 5. Pool on Big Creek Location: A large pool along Big Creek, accessible via the trail. Directions: Continue hiking on the Big Creek Trail past Mouse Creek Falls. At about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, you will reach a board crossing over a large pool in Big Creek.
-
Cross the board, then turn left and follow the path down to a large rock where you can swim.
Coordinates: Latitude 35.73773, Longitude -83.14298 Google Maps Link
-
Helpful notes
-
Parking: The parking area at Big Creek Recreation Area is well-marked and provides easy access to the trailheads. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Trails: All . The trail is rustic but well-maintained, making it suitable for most skill levels. Safety: Exercise caution around waterfalls and . Always supervise children and avoid
Plan your visit
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots works well as a day trip from Knoxville or Asheville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Big Laurel Creek Swimming Spots In Western North Carolina or browse more North Carolina creek spots in our directory. For the full list in North Carolina, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via the Big Creek Trailhead in the Big Creek Recreation Area. Parking is available but can fill quickly on summer weekends. No entry fee is required for the national park. The trail and swimming areas are natural and not officially maintained for swimming; visitors assume all risks.
Top picks for this trip
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Buy two — a large for drying off and a small for gear — and you still spend less than one cotton beach towel.
Check price on
ThinkSport Sport Mineral Sunscreen
The best blend of reef-safety, protection, and wearability — start here.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
Gear we compare side by side for waterfall swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots?
Yes. Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots near Knoxville, Asheville, and Waterville in NC has waterfall / cascade pools on Big Creek, Mouse Creek used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots?
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots is in NC within day-trip range of Knoxville, Asheville, and Waterville. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
The Big Creek area was historically part of the Cherokee Nation and later served as a logging site. It now stands as a protected area within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles: avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife habitats. Help preserve the area's natural beauty for future generations.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.