Take in a bit of history on this 16.9-mile loop through the eastern Smokies, and reward yourself with one of the park's best views from the Mt. Sterling lookout tower.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Knoxville, follow I-40 to Waterville; exit SW. Turn R then veer L onto Waterville Rd. Follow straight to Big Creek entrance. Pass ranger station and park in lot just beyond Big Creek trailhead.
Location: 35.751839, -83.109741
From parking area, begin @ Big Creek trailhead on L side of road
0309246E 3958477N
GSM002
Location: 35.743290, -83.120911
Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below
0308215E 3957550N
GSM003
Location: 35.735729, -83.133820
Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek
0307030E 3956736N
GSM004
Location: 35.735710, -83.145416
Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles
0305981E 3956758N
GSM005
Location: 35.718632, -83.162918
Veer L onto Swallow Fork Trail; pass through Walnut Bottom (old logging camp, now tree-filled). Option: Stay straight on Big Creek Trail for great campsite
0304356E 3954897N
GSM006
Location: 35.691662, -83.139259
Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection
0306431E 3951859N
GSM007
Location: 35.686470, -83.141693
Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path
0306199E 3951287N
GSM008
Location: 35.698261, -83.125198
Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline
0307719E 3952563N
GSM009
Location: 35.702339, -83.122581
Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail
0307966E 3953011N
GSM010
Location: 35.717659, -83.108871
Straight @ Y
0309243E 3954683N
GSM011
Location: 35.746731, -83.114151
Hike through flat, tree-covered area, once home to a logging camp
0308835E 3957919N
GSM012
Location: 35.750061, -83.109863
Turn L; cross Big Creek; return to parking lot
0309231E 3958279N
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