Situated in the Big Creek Area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Midnight Hole is a hidden gem nestled among the mountains. Surrounded by jumbo boulders and featuring a six-foot waterfall pouring into gleaming emerald-green waters and a pebbly creek bed, this unique destination is a natural swimming hole that is well worth the effort to visit.
Since reaching Midnight Hole requires a three-mile roundtrip hike, and it is hidden and remote, this makes it less known overall, but it is a destination growing in popularity. This remote and hidden swimming hole in the Big Creek area is near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line on the North Carolina side. Geographically, it is about an hour from Gatlinburg, TN.
To access the trail head and arrive at the direct route to Midnight Hole exit off 451 and take Waterville Road. Continue down this paved road to Waterville, take Waterville Road for around two miles, and then look for Big Creek Entrance Road. Use caution as this gravel road is narrow, so be aware of oncoming vehicles.
Park at the end of the road in the large gravel parking lot. After parking, you will access Big Creek Trailhead on the left, located across from Group Camp Road. Big Creek Area and Midnight Hole is always open, weather permitting.
Midnight Hole is not vehicle-accessible, meaning you will have to hike to access it. Although you do have to hike to it, it’s a beautiful, scenic walk that is a fairly easy trail. It does feature a gradual climb, but it’s not too severe or difficult. Big Creek will be next to you on the trail, and then you will end up above it.
Reach Midnight Hole off of Big Creek Trail at about 1.5 miles. It is located around 600 feet after crossing the second wooden bridge. Enter through the trees to the left off the wide, rocky path. You will see Midnight Hole Falls first and then proceed past that point to get to the swimming hole. Although the trek down to the water (swimming hole) entrance isn’t too long, it is rocky and steep, so it can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Midnight Hole is a refreshing swimming hole and is very, very cold. Therefore, although this can be refreshing in the hot, humid days of summer, it is best to swim from the late morning to early afternoon, so the water is in direct sun. Some parts of the day include shading by surrounding trees that block the sun.
The water at the edges of the creek is pretty shallow, but the closer you move to the waterfalls and boulders, the deeper it gets. It’s a good idea to wear water sandals or other forms of foot protection to traverse the rocky creek bed. The water is crystal clear, complete with an emerald tinge.
Visiting this hidden gem in the Smokies is a little-known adventure that presents just enough of a challenge; hiking in to enjoy the refreshing cool of the water at the end of your trek. Of course, even if you don’t want to enter the water itself, hiking to the falls and the picturesque boulders and surrounding area is well worth the effort.
Insider Tips:
-Cell phone service will drop off before you even reach the parking lot, so be aware you will be “off the grid” when visiting this location. Make sure to let someone know where you are going since cell phone service will remain spotty until coming back out of the area.
-Take advantage of the picnic tables and toilets off the parking lot before entering the trail (open seasonally).
-While you do not have to pay to get into the park itself, a parking pass is required for the parking lot, which can be purchased either at any visitor center or online.