Exploring Big South Fork

Tennessee is absolutely packed full of nature that is just waiting to be enjoyed, but this example of pristine forest will keep you coming back for more   . . .  

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Five Tennessee Hiking Trails You Must Experience

​For this adventure I based myself at Bandy Creek Campground which is centrally located among various trailheads. While the entire Big South Fork National Recreation Area provides a multitude of trails to keep you busy, these are the ones I had the chance to thoroughly explore. 

• John Litton Farm Loop
• Oscar Blevins Farm Loop
• Angel Falls Trail
• The O&W Trail
• Twin Arches

​Let's get started hiking! 

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John Litton Farm Loop

​This 6.3 mile loop leaves out from Bandy Creek Campground and circles the Litton Farm. I took this one on counter-clockwise exploring the southern part of the trail first. Going in this direction, you will begin descending into the Scott State Forest on a pleasant path full of interesting rock formations along Fall Branch Creek.

This hike is rated moderate but be warned, this lower section does require a bit of climbing. There are a couple of areas with well constructed stairs and ladders to help you along. At the eastern reaches of the trail is a connection to Fall Branch Trail which lead to Grand Gap Loop trail head. Carry on left along your original pathway and you will soon come to the Litton Farm which dates back to the 1800s.

John Litton Farm

From the farm a gravel path heads uphill past a gate. This series of gravel roads will take you back to Bandy Creek. Just don't take that first left or you will dead end at a tree farm after having walked an extra mile or so and have to back track (not that I did that). It is the second counter-clockwise left that connects back to the campground. 

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Oscar Blevins Farm Loop

Oscar Blevins Farm

The Blevins Farm Loop can be accessed by following the entrance road that passes between the campground and visitor center. Before the road turns to gravel, you will see a parking lot and restroom building. This is where the trail begins. ​This 3.6 mile loop is rated easy, but I found it to be very similar to the previous.

Once again, there are sections where you will encounter some really cool rock shelters with a bit of stairs to climb and even a well constructed ladder in one place. Don't let this deter you, The Oscar Blevins Loop is very enjoyable. If you want to take on the climbing area while descending, then make a clockwise rotation visiting the rock shelters first. Along the western region you will find an access to the Collier Ridge Loop, while the far southern point has a connection to the West Entrance trail. Take notice of other bike and horse trails that also intersect throughout this adventure. Just stick to the foot path, mind the signs and about half way around you will eventually come to the historic farm which also dates back to the nineteenth century. ​

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Angel Falls Trail

Boardwalk at Leatherwood Ford

This easy-rated trail begins at the Leatherwood Ford parking lot and stretches 2 miles north down stream. Angel Falls are not so much a waterfall these days, but more of a large set of rapids. The pavilion at the entrance displays information about the potentially swift changes in the volume of this river. Along the way you may see evidence of this destructive force of nature, as portions of the trail have been washed away. 

Angel Falls

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O & W Trail

Also leaving from the Leatherwood Ford parking lot, this section of the John Muir Trail heads south upstream for 2.3 miles. Rated moderate, this one way stroll only seemed a bit more difficult. Your final destination will the Oneida & Western Railroad Bridge unless you decide to press on and explore the rest of the John Muir Trail on the other side. This will take you to the Devil's Den rock shelter. 

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Twin Arches 

South Arch

This amazing hike is located on the western side of Big South Fork. There are multiple ways to get there, but the easiest is to take the gravel road that stretches beyond Middle Creek and keep right until you reach Twin Arches Lane which leads to the parking lot for the upper trailhead.

Near the beginning of this 1.4 mile loop you will once again be faced with the decision of making a left or right to complete your circle. Either way is a solid choice, but taking a right seems to be a more direct path to the arches. In this direction you will actually be walking on the North Arch before you see it. This hike another that requires a decent amount of stair climbing but the sights you will see along the way are more than worth it. 

North Arch

Although this trail is a loop, it can be a bit confusing. The two arches connect to one another at an angle. If you took the pathway leading right, simply look to the left to find the North Arch that you just walked across. Around the corner to the right is right is the South Arch. I recommend taking a picture of the map at the entrance. 

Check out the video here!

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East Rim Overlook

Last but not least, I recommend treating yourself to some relaxation after all of this trail blazing. This can easily be achieved with an evening at one of the parks impressive lookout points. Sunset Overlook is a 2.6 roundtrip hike to the top of a large rock. I declined this adventure when I began to question the 1.3 mile walk back in the dark. A very nice alternative is the East Rim Overlook where you can catch a similar viewpoint with only casual stroll from the parking lot. 

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These are only a few of the adventures to be had within The Big South Fork National Forest and Recreation Area. From rafting to wildlife watching, there is so much more to see and do in these parts. Get out there and see it for yourself!

You may also enjoy my
​Guide to The Smokies