On Saturday, October 17, 2020, my friend Rhonda and I rolled out into the Autumn morning, the cold nipping at exposed skin hinting at what is to come, to venture into our favorite National Park. The call of the forest and the promise of the mountains filled us with anticipation. Our last adventure had been over a month ago, a short hike to Hen Wallow Falls with friends who were interested in hiking.
Today we chose the 5.3 mile Big Creek Trail in the Big Creek Area of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. This trail is not a strenuous trail, being an old rail/road bed it is wide and the incline is gentle as the trail progresses. The trail offers beautiful views and many access points to Big Creek. Along its length one comes to the popular swimming hole, Midnight Hole, and the beautiful waterfall Mouse Creek Falls. Our goal was campsite 36 at Walnut Bottoms.
When we arrived at Big Creek the parking area was filling quickly. The promise of the cool, sunny day drew others. We parked and unloaded, and started out on Big Creek trail. The first short leg of the trail looks down on the creek. Then the trail comes level with Big Creek and the sound of the flowing water is a constant companion. The Fall colors were present but promised more to come as the days pass. The air was crisp, fresh and refreshing.
So far 2020 has been a year unto itself, unlike any other before and the disruptions have defined the year. Plans changed, the edginess in the air as folks deal with life defining and redefining events, the political upheaval, leaving us all reeling and wondering what the future holds. Staying grounded takes effort. There is no better place to hit reset and regain an honest perspective than the forest.
The change of seasons promises that nothing lasts longer than its proscribed time. We may not know that time, but all things good or bad rise and fall, live and die; we are not locked in we are merely passing through. My feet shuffled through the carpet of fallen leaves. The water tumbled and roiled in the creek beside me. There was nothing static in the environment. In that I embraced the hope that what is now will pass, it will fall and the days will grow shorter, the nights longer and colder, then one day I will see evidence of rebirth. The key will be to survive the darkness holding onto the promise of light.
We stopped for photo ops at different points of access to the creek. Midnight Hole 1.4 miles along the trail, was peaceful and alluring, The water was so clear the bottom easily visible. We stayed there for long moments setting our little monkeys free relishing the feel of the lightening of the proverbial load.
We went on, coming to Mouse Creek Falls, and enjoyed the view of the Falls. We saw other photographers as we went along. The photo opportunities along Big Creek are phenomenal. The blue sky highlighted the fall colors. We crossed a nice little bridge and made our way to the Campsite.
The remaining miles to the campsite was an easy walk, the gentle incline unnoticeable as we walked, stopping often to just breathe in and appreciate the ambiance. We took a snack break at the campsite. The trip back out was as enjoyable as the hike in. It was the perfect choice for the day. I would recommend this trail to anyone. Lots of folks hike into the Falls and back out. We met many folks on our way out after having had the trail to ourselves on the trip in. Until next time. Hike on my friends!
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 