We’ve been visiting Midnight Hole for over 17 years, and it's hands-down one of our favorite spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In Big Creek, you'll find Midnight Hole, a deep, crystal-clear pool at the base of a small, powerful six-foot waterfall.
It’s long been a go-to swimming hole for locals, families, and anyone looking to cool off on a warm mountain day. You'll find yourself returning to this spot time and again, be it for a hike or a relaxing time by the water.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Midnight Hole—including trail details, tips from our many visits, and some important updates about current closures.
4/25/2025 - Updated to reflect that Midnight Hole is now open again.
What you need to Know About Midnight Hole NC |
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Location: Big Creek Area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
Roundtrip Distance: 2.8 miles |
Difficulty: Moderate |
Handicap Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: No - Dogs are not allowed |
Features: Swimming, jumping, creek-side hiking |
Directions: Take I-40 to the Waterville Road Exit (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight through, pass the ranger station, and you'll arrive at a large parking area at the road's end. Just before you enter the parking lot, you'll see the Big Creek trail head to your right. |
Recommended Gear: Standard Day hiking gear, bathing suit, water shoes, and towels |
Hurricane Helene Impact
In late 2024, Hurricane Helene brought severe flooding and damage to the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Big Creek Trail and the surrounding area were hit hard—floodwaters washed out a 70-foot steel bridge located about five miles up the trail and caused extensive erosion and trail damage beyond Mouse Creek Falls.
As a result, both Big Creek and Big Creek Trail were closed for several months. The area has since re-opened to visitors, but Big Creek Trail is currently only open to Mouse Creek Falls. The section of trail beyond that point remains closed until further notice due to safety concerns and ongoing repairs.
Midnight Hole itself was also impacted by the flooding. While the trail leading to it is open and accessible, the powerful floodwaters appear to have altered the area around the swimming hole. We’re currently unsure of the full extent of the changes, but plan to visit soon to assess the impact firsthand. Once we do, we’ll update this guide with new information and photos.
If you plan to visit, the hike to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls is still a beautiful and worthwhile adventure—just be aware of the limited trail access and ongoing restoration efforts beyond that point.
Midnight Hole NC
Midnight Hole NC is probably one of the most scenic and beautiful natural swimming holes in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The water is crystal clear, and the waterfall surrounded by huge boulders, makes for a natural place to swim, jump, and cool off in the hot summer. Jumping from the rocks into the pool is a very popular activity for the younger crowd.
Midnight hole is often very busy, especially between 10am and 4-5pm. The water and rocks are full of families, teens and adults. It isn't uncommon for there 50-100 people there on a summer weekend day.
The water is pretty cold, but very crisp and refreshing, especially after the 1.4 mile hike in.
Hiking to Midnight Hole NC
Midnight hole is in the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, on Big Creek Trail. The trailhead begins on the road, just before the parking area, on the right. You'll pass the trailhead on your way to park.
Come prepared! Be sure to review our Day hiking Essentials before hitting the trail.
Big Creek is often very busy during the summer, and if the main parking area is full, you can drive back down the entry road and park in the horse camp parking area. Just be sure to not block in any of the horse trailers.
There is a trail from the bathroom area to the trailhead. There are also bathrooms in the main parking area.
Big Creek trail up to Midnight hole is an old railroad grade, and not steep, but it is a gradual climb all the way up to Midnight hole, at 1.4 mile in. Along the way, you'll hike creek side to Big Creek, which is gorgeous.
You can't miss Midnight hole, as you'll either hear the people swimming, yelling and having fun.
The trail is also heavily travelled up to midnight hole. You'll likely encounter lots of people and families walking on the trail, either going to or coming back from the falls.
You'll know you're close to Midnight Hole when you cross the wooden bridge. To get to the falls/swimming area, just walk down the narrow path to the left. The trail is rocky, so young children will probably need some help.
See our full guides to more than 40 waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on our Waterfalls Page. Information, Directions, Photos, Video, and more!
Our Midnight Hole Videos
Things to do at Big Creek and Midnight Hole
Next to the parking lot is a really nice picnic area next to Big Creek. This is a great place for families with younger children, as the water is a great depth for wading and splashing.
Midnight hole has more shallow areas as well, but not many. Most of the water areas in Midnight Hole are a 1 -2 feet, minimum and the current is fairly strong, so small children should be watched closely.
Big Creek Trail is an old railroad grade that was used to haul timber and lumber during the logging boom, prior to the area becoming a national park. Horses are allowed on the trail, and while we haven't seen any the times we've been there, I would recommend watching where you step, just in case!
Mouse Creek Falls
If you hike up the trail another 1/2 mile, you'll come to Mouse Creek Falls. The falls are 41 foot high, and just beautiful to see and take pictures of.
