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Hiking the Twin Arches Loop Trail in Big South Fork

01/10/2019 by Erin 1 Comment

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

During a camping trip to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area we planned to hike to the Twin Arches, a pair of sandstone arches that are considered the largest natural bridge in Tennessee and Kentucky.  The arches lie less than a mile from the trailhead, so it’s an accessible hike for most folks regardless of skill level.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Trail Description (taken from NPS)

Distance: 1.4 miles, Twin Arches Trail
4.6 miles, Twin Arches Loop Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Cautions: Steep Wooden Stairs
Cliff Edges
Connections: Charit Creek Trail
Slave Falls Trail

 

 

 

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Shelby has inherited The Freeloader toddler carrier since Jasper is now able to hike on his own feet.  Next camping season, we think she’ll be able to do some short hikes on her feet as well!

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

A mere 0.7 miles from the trailhead to the Twin Arches, and it’s downhill!

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

It was mid-October and the first of the fall color was starting to show.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

The majority of the first part of the trail is a descent, but there is one short staircase to climb.  We walked behind Jasper as he climbed steps so that we are nearby if he stumbles.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Peeks of fall color makes me happy.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Reaching the first of a couple of very long, steep staircases, we stopped to admire the view from the ridge.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

The staircases are sturdy, but boy are they steep!  One of us walked in front of Jasper while the other walked behind, but he did a good job holding onto the railing and going slow.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Looking back up from the bottom of the stairs.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

At this point of the trail, you’re actually walking across the top of one of the stone arches.  There’s some drop-offs on either side so hiking with kids requires close control, though the path itself is wide and doesn’t feel treacherous.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

One more staircase to get to the bottom of the arches.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

At the bottom, you’ll take a hard left and negotiate a short section of rocky trail to get to the sandy area underneath the arches.  Take a good while to soak in the scenery and explore the interesting rock formations in this area – it’s truly unique.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Jasper asked me if we were at the beach when he saw all of the sand.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Are we in Tennessee or Arizona?

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

The North Arch has a clearance of 51 feet, a span of 93 feet and its deck is 62 feet high; South Arch has a clearance of 70 feet, a span of 135 feet and its deck is 103 feet high.  Make sure you poke around in the little caves created by the stone walls – there’s so much to explore.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

From the arches, it’s just over a mile to the Charit Creek lodge, so after enjoying the scenery we continued along the trail to our next destination.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

So proud of this boy and his love and stamina for hiking!

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

As you get closer to the lodge, the trail follows alongside Charit Creek.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Beyond some hitching rails for those arriving on horseback, there’s a lovely little bridge that crosses the creek to the lodge.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

The lodge area consists of a collection of off-the-grid accommodations for those wanting to spend some time away from civilization.  There are three types of accommodations available: full service, limited service and horse stabling.  Each cabin is equipped with lanterns and a wood burning stove with beds and linens provided. Modern restroom and shower facilities are available for all overnight guests, and all cabins are private.  Family style breakfast and dinner is served daily.  (see website)

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

If you’re just passing through, a small menu of drinks and snacks are available.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South ForkWe chose a shady spot under a tree to pull out our packed lunches and have a little picnic.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

If you could hear what was going on in this photo, you’d hear a never-ending stream of consciousness coming from both of them about all of the things they were seeing around the lodge.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

There’s an expansive lawn on the property.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

This is one of the cabins available, surrounded by a split rail fence.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

We let the kids have plenty of time to explore and play.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

Sittin’ a spell.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

They had a really great afternoon.  I was recovering from a mild stomach bug that hit me the day before, and Matt was still dealing with a bit of lingering symptoms.  He ended up feeling pretty bad for part of the hike, but he was a trouper.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

On the way out, this kind man offered to scoop Jasper up and introduce him to his beautiful horse.  Jasper loved it!

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

We could have continued on the Twin Arches Loop Trail past Jake’s Place and eventually ending up back at the Twin Arches.  However, Matt just wasn’t feeling very well, so we opted to backtrack and return the way we came.

Twin Arches Loop Trail Hike in Big South Fork

In total, we ended up hiking just over 4 miles.  It was a rough trek back having to now climb all of those steep staircases that we descended on the way to the arches.  Jasper is a little beast with being able to do that at his age and still having gas left in the tank!  Overall, this trail is so worth the trip, and seeing the Twin Arches in person is something no nature lover should miss.

You Might Like These Posts:

Hiking the Lumber Ridge Trail Hiking the Rich Mountain Loop Trail Things to do in Big South Fork - hiking, horseback riding, camping, and moreThings to Do in Big South Fork Hiking the Rich Mountain Loop – In Snow! Hiking Little Bottoms Trail – Crazy Tornado Damage! Hiking to Fall Creek Falls Hike to Mt. LeConte! Hike to Rainbow Falls

Filed Under: Big South Fork, Hiking, Vacation

About Erin

Erin is a mom of two human babies and two fur-covered babies. She loves comfy pajamas, eats too much peanut butter, and watches excessive amounts of Netflix. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram.

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Comments

  1. Kara@K&R Adventures says

    01/10/2019 at 10:24 am

    Looks like a fun day and great hike!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Erin, and I blog about fun things! I cook food for my family and share the recipes here. We also like to camp, so there will be a fair bit about that around here, too.

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