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Horse Trails

Horse Trails

Big Creek - nailss added this area

Newport, NC

Riders have logged 46.51 miles & 19.85 hours here.

TOP TRAIL RIDER: nailss logged 46.51 miles.



  • Printable Map
  • Directions
  •  
  • ★★★★★


  • Printable Map
  • Directions
  • ★★★★★


Rides Add Your Ride

Date Rider Hours Minutes Miles GPS Photos Rating
15 Apr 2017 nailss Ride Notes 8 h 24m 22.54 ✔ ✔ ★★★★★
14 Apr 2017 nailss Ride Notes 9 h 32m 19.22 ✔ ✔ ★★★★★
13 Apr 2017 nailss Ride Notes 1 h 55m 4.75 ✔ ✔ ★★★★★

Overview

Pack up your horses for a getaway at Big Creek Horse Camp, located on far northeastern side of Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 16 miles from Newport, Tennessee. This campsite sits along the gently rolling waters of Big Creek and offers miles of horse trails with breathtaking scenic backdrops.
Natural Features:
At a 1,700 foot elevation, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The camp is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and pristine mountain streams.

Nearby Mouse Creek Falls, a 35 foot waterfall forming at the confluence of Mouse Creek and Big Creek, is reachable by horseback or on foot via the Big Creek trailhead located on-site.

The beautiful falls splits over moss covered rocks and falls about 20 ft. before pooling and falling another 15 ft. into Big Creek. The falls can be reached via the Big Creek Trail, which is covered in wildflowers during spring months.
Recreation:
Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams that snake through the mountains, with Rainbow and Brook trout available in abundance, particularly during spring months.
Facilities:
Big Creek Horse Camp is fairly primitive, providing only the basic amenities, but an unforgettable outdoors experience. The sites are large and the facility does offer flush toilets, drinking water and plenty of shade.

Since horses are not permitted in the camping area, horse stalls and hitching rails are provided to guests.

There are no hookups or showers at the campground, but water is available from the campground spigot.

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Land manager is Great Smoky Mountains National Park – https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/horseriding.htm

236 Big Creek Park Road
Newport, Tennessee, 37821, (865)436-1261

Bear Habitat!! All food and items used to store or prepare food, including coolers, MUST be stored in the trunk or cab of your vehicle/s at all times when not in use.
Dispose of garbage promptly in bear-proof dumpsters.
This rule is strictly enforced!
NEW Firewood Regulation: Beginning March 1, 2015 only heat-treated firewood bundled in its original packing and bearing a certification seal from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Campers may collect dead and down wood in the park for campfires. This rule is strictly enforced!
Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Please visit www.nature.org/firewoodmap for a list of available vendors near the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal.
For additional information about these firewood regulations, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.
There are no showers or electric, water or sewer hook-ups in the park.
Quiet hours are in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generator use is restricted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fires are allowed in fire rings only.
A reservation is required for all horse camps and you must have a horse to camp here. A maximum of 6 people and 4 horses may occupy a campsite. All horses must be accompanied by a negative Coggins test. The park stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Stalls are provided but may not be visible from your campsite. Check the site page for details. Horses may not be tied to trees.
With the exception of Big Creek, horse camps do not have potable water.
A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the park. Special regulations apply in the park.
Pets are permitted but cannot be left unattended. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails.
For additional park information call 865-436-1200 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm