North Carolina whitewater, Big Creek Haywood county, Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS V     5.4 miles   The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Newport, as you can see on the road map further down. The Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground stretch of Big Creek in North Carolina is 5.4 miles long and is a class V section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in this state tend to be more forgiving than the national average, so don't forget that rivers in this state are not as hard as elsewhere.     Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. This is one of a small number of paddling stretches in this river system, there are a few others too. The nature scenery of Haywood County and the water flowing gracefully down Big Creek attract people from near and far. A good workout and just hanging out with mother nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. There's camping available near Big Creek. On this section you do get some distance, it's good length for a morning trip. The beautiful Great Smoky Mountains scenery is an added bonus. You might be into   whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this area has a large number of paddling places. Briefly about the general area: Good hiking is available along the Big Branch Trail, and Poplar Cove is another wonderful location to pop by nearby. Life's too short to enjoy all the cool stuff in the Great Smoky Mountains. Mouse Creek Falls is always fun to check out, and the snow is delightful at Cataloochee. This river is always fun. Lots of folks from Hartford come to Big Creek, and a short spree to Brakeshoe Spring is always worthwhile. Go for a hike on the Baxter Creek Trail. Big Creek, Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Big Creek.   Whitewater Near Big Creek: Big Creek, Haywood County, 2 miles away       Class V - 5.4 miles long (Walnut Bottom to NPS Campground) Big Creek, Haywood County, 2 miles away       Class IV - 2 miles long (NPS Campground to Confluence with Big Pigeon) Pigeon River, Cocke County, 3 miles away       Class II-III - 4.2 miles long (Walter's Power Plant at Waterville to Bridge at Hartford) Pigeon River, Cocke County, 3 miles away       Class III+ - 4.66 miles long (Big Creek to Hartford) Whitewater Outfitter - Pigeon River Officer, Cocke County, 4 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Outdoor Adventures, Cocke County, 4 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - USA Raft, Cocke County, 4 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Five Rivers Adventures, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Rip Roaring Adventures, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Rapid Descent River, Cocke County, 5 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Ski Areas Near Big Creek: Cataloochee, North Carolina , 10 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 29 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 42 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 45 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Sky Valley, Georgia , 45 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 91 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 91 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 93 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs   Marinas Near Big Creek: Indian Creek Boat Dock, Dandridge , 20 miles away   Hotels Near Big Creek: The Swag, Waynesville , 10 miles away Jonathan Creek Inn, Maggie Valley , 12 miles away Ramada Maggie Valley, Maggie Valley , 12 miles away Misty Mountain Ranch B B Cab, Maggie Valley , 12 miles away Best Western Mountainbrook Inn, Maggie Valley , 13 miles away   Campgrounds Near Big Creek: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Mt Sterling, Hartford, 2 miles away Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Big Creek, Hartford, 2 miles away Davenport Gap Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Hartford, 2 miles away   Trails Near Big Creek: Baxter Creek Trail, Haywood , 2 miles away Big Branch Trail, Haywood , 3 miles away Lower Whiterock Trail, Cocke , 4 miles away Asbury Trail, Haywood , 6 miles away Palmer Creek Trail, Haywood , 6 miles away   Public Lands Near Big Creek: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 26 miles away Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 41 miles away Panther Creek State Park, Tennessee , 34 miles away Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina , 38 miles away   Golf Courses Near Big Creek: Smoky MTN Country Club & Grill, Newport , 12 miles away Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg , 15 miles away Iron Tree Golf Course, Clyde , 16 miles away   Lakes Near Big Creek Waterville Lake, Haywood , 6 miles away