Twin Arches Trail Backpacking
Trail Overview
Great nature trail that leads to a natural marvel in Twin Arches
| Trailhead Location | Google Maps Location |
| Park Information | Big South Fork Park – Website |
| Trail Features | Scenic Views, Pet-Friendly
NOTE: for a complete list of features check out the tags at the bottom of this post. |
| Hiked Dates | 06-13-2015 to 06-14-2015 |
| Rating | 7.25 |
| Class | 1 |
| Mileage | 5.4 miles |
| Average Speed | 1.74 mph |
| Max Speed | 4.1 mph |
| Moving Time | 3:05:03 |
| Maximum Elevation | 1841 feet |
| Minimum Elevation | 885 feet |
| Ascent | 924 feet |
| Descent | 1182 feet |
| Total Grade – Gain/Loss % | -0.9 % |
| CAMPING POI #1 | Private Location “Secret” |
| FEATURE POI #1 | N36.5396005,W-84.7417943 – Twin Arches |
| FEATURE POI #2 | N36° 32.244′ W84° 43.647′ – Charit Creek Lodge |
| Official Map PDF |  Big South Fork Map 4 Twin Arches & Charit Creek Lodge 1 file(s) 3.17 MB
|
| Track Download |  MHC Twin Arches Backpacking Track 1 file(s) 115.59 KB
|
| Garmin Adventure | N/A |
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Trail Location & Directions
From Oneida TN. Take 297 West turn left on Leatherwood Ford Rd. Travel 19 miles to 154 North turn right. Travel 1.9 miles turn right on gravel road Divide Road. Travel 3.9 miles turn right on Twin Arches Road. Parking area 2 miles ahead
Trail/Park Official Description
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.
Midlife Hikers Review
Another favorite of Snake Stepper and myself, Bug Whisperer. We’ve only visited this area Big South Fork in the winter. So needless to say we were pretty excited about getting out there, in late spring, with all the wonder of new life after such a brutal winter in East Tennessee.
An awesome addition to our group this weekend were Shawn and Ateka Sanford, up from Florida, to enjoy some Tennessee wilderness on their vacation. As always this trip did not disappoint and Big South Fork delivered some great views and good times.
We decided to start out on Saturday morning, since Shawn and Ateka had driven up from Florida the night before. We met at REI, my home 
away from home, and watched as many people camped out for the annual REI Garage Sale. Sorry I missed it, but would rather be backpacking! 7 am was a pretty late start getting to this side of the park, but we made it in pretty good time with only one or two stops along the way.
We arrived at the trail-head around 9 am after driving down dusty old Divide and Twin Arches Roads. A few people were already at the head, but it looked like just day hikers, so I wasn’t too worried about getting to the campsite in time.
Getting your trail legs is easy at about 1/4 mile when you come to the first and second set of stairs leading down. Liberty was so anxious to get down she started running and just about pulled me down the first flight. She did so good negotiating the stairs. She is really growing into her hiking style. We arrived at the arches after a short little 1/2 mile decent down Twin Arches Loop Trail (left loop).
Upon stepping foot into the sandy floor of the South Arch, I noticed the abundant life throughout. The trees were full and the wildflower were thriving in and around the arch. We took off our packs and explored in and around the North
and South Arch. I truly missed this destination and it was great seeing it this time of year. The caves and out crop-pings were full of life, teeming with birds, bees and spiders. Liberty was running around enjoying every second of it. It was her first time at the arches too.
After an hour or so, we re-packed and headed down the trail. Another short 1.1 mile decent to Charit Creek Lodge, where we met the new manager Greg, who was gracious enough to offer us the use of the restrooms and showers if we needed it.
Greg, the new manager of the lodge, seems to be on top of things and really wants to bring the lodge back to it’s former glory. I suggest anyone interested in Big South Fork to visit this area and stay a night or two. Great food and care come along with your stay. You can get more information from their website here!
I spoke with Greg for a bit and found out that the primitive site I’ve been using out there is actually a secret camping site that’s used by the employees of the lodge. I learned of the site by the former manager and have used it ever since. I respected their wishes to keep it a secret and will not post the location here or in the track. It is however on BSF land so if you find it, feel free to use it.
We made our way down the fields behind Charit Creek and again took a little wrong turn, which is now known as the “Bushwhacking Wilderness Nature Loop”. But after getting our bearings we walked to the site and started gathering wood.
Lisa and Ateka gathered wood, while Shawn and I setup tents and hammocks for the night’s stay. Lisa decided she would use the magnesium striker, with cotton balls again. She was successful in getting an ember this time and got her little tee-pee on fire. Everyone gathered wood and we had a decent fire going for the night.
The rest of the day and evening were enjoyed by just hanging out at the fire and reminiscing on good times and past adventures. We made our traditional dinner and even experimented with roasting starburst candies over the fire (I have to say they were pretty awesome). Shawn did a quick tutorial on roasting, which is must see TV.
It was Lisa and I’s first night in the new hammock sleep systems and I have to say getting used to the noises was the toughest part. Liberty jumped in the hammock with no issues and stayed with me the entire night. It was a great sleep, after getting settled in.
Everyone woke early and packed up. I made a bit of coffee and we were back to hiking around 7am. What a peaceful hike; I truly enjoy walking on the trail first thing in the morning. The sunrise, the birds and the freakin’ spider webs 🙂 all make morning hikes memorable.
We stopped off at the lodge for some Number 2 action and talked with Greg again for a few minutes. It was good to have access to warm water and a toilet for a change. We were back on trail a few minutes later and headed back to the arches. We all took a few more pictures of the sunrise through the arch and enjoyed the views one last time.
After about 1 mile in and close to the final set of stairs leading out, we saw a mama bear and her cub. She had the cub scurry up the tree and we backed off to a safe distance. They were about 40 feet from the trail and intently watching our every move. After getting to a safe distance, I snapped a single shot of her and we made our way around without much disturbance. We stayed grouped together and made a bunch of noise. She was scared enough of us to stay away and just watch. It was so happy to see her and really appreciate the opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures in their environment.
We negotiated the last of the stairs and were back at the cars in no time. This was another great backpacking weekend and we were glad to share it with two wonderful people, Shawn and Ateka Sanford. I would rate this hike as moderate with the exit of the left trail rated as strenuous. The stairs can be tricky, just take your time and don’t look up or down :). This trail is pet friendly, so bring your fur baby along. Just remember that BSF has rules regarding animals in the park and keep them leashed or under verbal restraint at all times.
