As of October 28, 2009 a rock slide on Route 40 has restricted access to Big Creek Trail. Until the road is repaired, this particular hike should not be attempted. If you are planning a vacation in Haywood County, there are many alternative routes to Haywood County when coming from the West. Haywood County Tourism Department provides detailed alternative routes on their website.

A great place for a picnic and in the summer a swim in the creek plan to spend at least a few hours at the trail head to Mouse Branch Falls . You’ll find a few picnic tables and barbecue grills along the riverbank. With a clean relief station close by, it is easy to make a day of it.

If you just have time for the hike, you will find that it is an easy flat trail. Approximately 1.7 miles into the hike you will arrive at Midnight Hole which is a great place to take a break. Our guide book suggested that some people swim in this big pool. We were happy just navigating down to the water’s edge to enjoy the refreshing coolness of the water.

Just another .3 of a mile down the trail you will arrive at Mouse Branch Falls For novice hikers this hike provides an easy walk and wonderful sights and sounds.

It is easy to find the trail head for Mouse Branch Falls on Big Creek Trail from Maggie Valley. The 40 minute ride takes you west on I-40 24 miles into Tennessee to exit 447. Then you double back on I-40 going East to exit 451 toward Waterville Road. From this point you are only 4 miles from the parking lot for the trail head. Stay at our cabin Mystic Mountain for convenience.