From the trailhead, head southwest

Midnight Hole; deep blue gem replenished by a 15-ft. waterfall; watch for colorful trout below

Mouse Creek Falls, a rumbling feeder for Big Creek

Brakeshoe Spring, named for the train part once wedged here to create a fountainlike effect; refill bottles

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

Continue steep ascent; go straight @ old RR grade intersection

Pretty Hollow Gap; great break spot. L onto Mt. Sterling Ridge path

Stay straight @ Y to ascend Mt. Sterling; see flora change from hardwoods to conifers on this breezy ridgeline

Mt. Sterling summit (5,760 ft.), small glade with prime tent sites, lookout tower, magical views; L to Baxter Creek Trail

Straight @ Y

Hike through flat, tree-covered area, once home to a logging camp

Turn L; cross Big Creek; return to parking lot

Great Smoky Mountains
Overlook of mountains at sunset. ©Jason Sangster

Big Creek