Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Tennessee Trails (U.S. National Park Service)

Twin Arches and Twin Arches Loop.
The Twin Arches are one of the most unusual and beautiful geologic features in the Big South Fork. The Arches themselves may be reached by hiking a short trail of seven tenths of a mile one way. The hike is easy to moderate with the exception of some very steep steps. Allow an hour for the round trip. The Twin Arches Loop is 4.5 miles long and includes some interesting rock overhangs (rock shelters) and cliffs, an old home site and the Charit Creek Lodge. The trail is moderate in difficulty and can be hiked in three to four hours. Trail Map (150 kb)

Slave Falls as seen from the trail viewing point.

National Park Service

Slave Falls drops some 60 feet to the pool below.

Slave Falls/Needle Arch
This short, easy hike includes a good view of a 60 foot waterfall as well as a natural arch. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles one way and can be done in about an hour. There may be very little water coming over the falls in late summer and fall but the hike is still worthwhile. Trail Map (150 kb)

Middle Creek Loop Trail
This easy trail is often overlooked. The trail winds through upland hardwood forest and past some beautiful rock shelters. The entire lop is 3.5 miles and takes about 2 hours to complete. A spur trail from Middle Creek Loop connects to Sawmill Trailhead and the Laurel Fork Trail. Trail Map (92 kb)

Rock Creek Loop
This moderately difficult 7.1 mile loop is suitable for a long day hike or a short overnight backpack. As the name indicates, it follows Rock Creek for part of its distance. It also overlaps parts of the John Muir and Sheltowee Trace Trails. The trail follows part of the old Stearns Logging Railroad along Massey Branch. The trail has one steep section from Rock Creek to the Hattie Blevins Cemetery Road.

Honey Creek Loop
The Honey Creek Loop is the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. Along with the challenge come rewards for the hiker with the time and stamina to undertake the trip. The trail is 5.5 miles in length but requires extra time. Even experienced hikers should allow a minimum of 5 hours to complete this strenuous hike. Hazards include steep narrow trail sections, numerous creek crossings, slick boulders and confusing trail junctions. This hike is not recommended immediately following heavy rainfall or after severe freezing weather. Trail Map (290 kb)

Burnt Mill Loop
This easy 4.3 mile trail includes part of the John Muir Trail, which also connects it to the Honey Creek Trail. It follows the Clear Fork River for a portion of its length before climbing gradually to the ridges above the river. The views of the Clear Fork are well worth the minimal effort required to hike the trail.

Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole Trail
This moderate trail provides access to the traditional swimming hole on the Clear Fork River where the early English settlers of Rugby came to enjoy the cool waters of the river. The hiker has a choice of hiking 0.4 miles (one way) to the swimming hole and returning to the trailhead at Laurel Dale Cemetery or doing the complete 2.9 mile loop. Completing the loop takes you to the “Meeting of the Waters”. This junction of the Clear Fork and White Oak Creek was the traditional “ladies bathing place”.

Oscar Blevins Farm Loop
This easy trail leaves from Bandy Creek Trailhead and includes a wet weather water fall, rock shelters and the Oscar Blevins Farm. The trail is 3.6 miles long and takes most hikers 2-3 hours to complete. Litton/Slaven Farm Loop The John Litton/General Slaven Farm is perhaps the best of example of a Cumberland Plateau farmstead in the Big South Fork. Even today it has a remote, isolated feeling about it. The 5.9 mile loop offers a small waterfall on Fall Branch, numerous rock shelters and beautiful hemlock cove forest. It can be started from the Bandy Creek Trailhead or from the pool parking area. Most hikers take 3-4 hours to complete this trail. Trail Map (142 kb)

Sunset Overlook
The Sunset overlook is easy to reach by hiking this level, 1.3 mile (one way) trail. The hike out is not remarkable but the view definitely is. Hikers are advised that unlike near by East Rim overlook, the Sunset overlook is not protected by railings or fencing of any kind. Use extreme caution, especially with children and pets. This hike can be done in an hour to an hour and a half.