Hiking Trails

Charit Creek Hiking Trail This is a very short route to the lodge. From the visitor center turn right onto Bandy Creek Road. When you come to the stop sign, turn right onto Hwy. 297. Follow Hwy. 297 to the TN 154 intersection. Turn right onto Hwy. 154. Follow Hwy. 154 to Divide Road turn right. Turn right on Fork Ridge Road then pass by Sawmill Trailhead; continue along the ridge top until the road ends at Charit Creek Hiking Trailhead and parking area. The trail is a quick 0.8 mile down. First, you descend stairs to the base of a bluff beside a wet-weather fall, cross the swinging bridge and hike down.

Twin Arches Loop Trail This is the most popular trail to the lodge. Enter the park on Divide Road. Follow Divide Road for almost 3 miles before turning right onto the 2.4 mile access road to Twin Arches Trailhead.The trail to the base of the North Arch is only 0.7 mile. After taking time to explore both arches, you might prefer the shorter 1-mile portion of Twin Arches Loop Trail down to Charit Creek Lodge. However, the more adventuresome will want to proceed underneath the North Arch and follow the longer 3-mile portion of the loop to Jake's Place, and then down the valley. The trails converge at the bottom of the loop. There you'll cross a wooden bridge over Charit Creek to Charit Creek Lodge.

Sawmill Trailhead to Slave Falls Trail (You'll find directions to Sawmill Trailhead under the Charit Creek Trail heading.) Slave Falls Trail is 4.7 miles and features Slave Falls and Needle Arch before it joins Twin Arches Loop Trail near Jake's Place and continues to the lodge.

Bandy Creek Campground Trailhead From the visitor center turn left onto Bandy Creek Road. Bandy Creek Campground and Trailhead will be on your left in a short distance. Since there isn't a continuous hiking trail to Charit Creek from Bandy Creek Campground Trailhead, you'll have to weigh the hazards of walking on horse trails against the rewards of hiking along the Laurel Fork Branch of Station Camp Creek. If the weather has been relatively dry, the 11-mile Laurel Fork Loop from Jack's Ridge Trailhead is well worth the extra effort.

To reach Jack's Ridge Trailhead from Bandy Creek Campground Trailhead, begin by hiking northwestwardly along Bandy Creek Campground Road, then turning right onto the first road past the Clara Sue Blevin's Farmhouse. Turn left at each intersection thereafter until you reach the trailhead. Descend the steep, rocky road from Jack's Ridge and cross the branch to join a 4-mile stretch of trail going downstream along Laurel Fork. Near the confluence of Laurel Fork Branch and Station Camp Creek, you'll see a bridge that crosses Laurel Fork; do not cross it. Instead, continue straight ahead approximately 70 yards. Follow the trail to the left, marked by a sign saying, 'Charit Creek Hostel: 3.6 miles.' This trail will take you back to Fork Ridge Road, where you turn right and go a few yards to the Charit Creek Trailhead and Parking Area. From the parking area it is a quick 0.8 mile down Charit Creek Trail to the lodge.

In Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, you'll find trails that are perfect for a nice stroll through the woods and trails that challenge the most ardent hiker or rider. Many paths interconnect and may become confusing. Ask at the visitor center for more detailed trail information. Carrying a map or guidebook to Big South Fork is always a good idea. Remember, hikers may opt to use the horse trails, but horses are never permitted on hiking trails. The hiking trails are outlined for you to consider when deciding which road to take to Charit Creek Lodge.