There are any number of potential campsites along the trail. Forest Service Road 416 will lead you to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, which is clearly marked. Although there is a large parking lot at the end of this spur road, it s for day parking only. There are several pull-offs along the shoulder for overnight parking. Located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek offers excellent backpacking opportunities in the park s lightly visited northeast corner.
Big Creek offers excellent backpacking opportunities in the park's lightly visited northeast corner.
One of the most beautiful trout streams in the Southern Appalachians, Big Creek is followed closely along its entire length by Big Creek Trail. With approximately 10 miles of fishable water, Big Creek offers possibilities for extended stays. A fairly large stream, Big Creek is also strikingly clear. On few other streams will you see so many trout. In the large pool known as Midnight Hole I have sat and counted as many as 25 trout in easy view.