Exploring the Big South Fork

We will meet at Knoxville Airport (TYS) in eastern Tennessee by 10 AM. From there, we’ll head north and then west into the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Our first stop will be the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Our first hike will be the scenic John Litton Farm Loop, covering 4–6 miles depending on timing. Along the way, we’ll pass chestnut trees, waterfalls, and the historic Litton Farm site. After a break to enjoy the scenery, we’ll return to the visitor center. If time permits, we may explore the Bandy Creek Visitor Center, the park’s headquarters, or visit the nearby historic Blevins Farm site, home to an original log house built in 1879.

We’ll then continue to our lodging at Pickett State Park. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Pickett features an extensive network of trails, charming cabins, and a picturesque lake. It was also the first state park in the Southeast to receive certification as a dark sky viewing location.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Pickett State Park Cabins
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
Travel: Driving (~2 hours)

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll spend the day exploring Pickett State Park. Our route will follow a winding network of trails leading to Natural Arch, Indian Rockhouse, Hazard Cave, stream-carved gorges, and Pickett Lake. We’ll hike 4–6 miles, depending on the weather and group interest, while observing how water has shaped the sandstone landscape, searching for early spring wildflowers, and keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to our cabins for dinner and relaxation.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Pickett State Park Cabins
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
Travel: Shuttle (10 minutes)

After breakfast, we’ll refine our map and compass skills while out on the trail. Several scenic hiking options are available nearby, including the Hidden Passage Trail, Pogue Creek Canyon, and Middle Creek Loop. Since it’s wildflower season, this is also a great time to start honing your flower identification skills in preparation for the abundant blooms we’ll encounter at Charit Creek.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to our cabins for dinner and relaxation, then prepare for tomorrow’s hike into Charit Lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Pickett State Park Cabins
Daily Activities: Hiking (1.8 miles + 4 optional miles)
Travel: Driving (10 minutes)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Charit Creek Lodge
Daily Activities: Hiking (5.4 miles)
Travel: Driving (20 minutes)

After an amazing lodge breakfast, we’ll lace up our hiking boots and set out to explore one of the most incredible features in the Big South Fork area: the Twin Arches. Our hike begins along Charit Creek, north of the lodge, before climbing steeply up steps and switchbacks to reach the arches. These towering sandstone formations are among the largest in the eastern U.S.—truly a breathtaking sight!

The trail winds around, through, and over the arches, giving us plenty of time to explore and take in their immense scale. From the top of the South Arch—spanning 135 feet with a clearance of over 70 feet—we can climb to an overlook and enjoy sweeping views of the park. As we continue along the nearly 5-mile Twin Arches Loop, we’ll pass towering cliffs and rock houses lining the base of the ridge.

Eventually, we’ll descend to Jake’s Place, the remains of an old settlement in a clearing along Middle Creek. From there, we’ll follow the trail east, making our way back to the lodge.

After showers, supper, and stargazing, we’ll settle in for our final night at Charit Creek, dreaming of the day’s adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Charit Creek Lodge
Daily Activities: Hiking (~5 miles)

It will be hard to leave the peaceful, unhurried pace of Charit Creek, so we’ll take our time packing up after breakfast before making the steep but beautiful climb back to our waiting vans.

From there, we’ll drive south through Jamestown, TN, stopping briefly for any last-minute necessities before heading east for our final hike at Colditz Cove State Natural Area. Here, Big Branch Creek plunges 60 feet over a rock ledge to form Northrup Falls. A scenic 1.5-mile loop trail winds through a mix of hemlock and deciduous forest, leading us over, down to, behind, and back up from the falls—offering spectacular views from every angle and a perfect chance to stretch our legs one last time.

Afterward, we’ll make our way to The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast, where we’ll check into our lovely accommodations and marvel at the modern comforts we once took for granted. In the evening, our host will serve a delicious dinner as we reminisce about the trip, share photos and stories, and enjoy one last evening together before retiring for the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast
Daily Activities: Hiking (2.5 miles)
Travel: Driving (1.5 hours)

This has been a fantastic week exploring the stunning Big South Fork area of Tennessee. It’s also been a week of incredible meals, ending on a high note with breakfast at The Garden Inn.

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to the Big South Fork and Cumberland Plateau as we make our way back to Knoxville. We’ll have you at the airport by 11:30 AM for flights departing after 1 PM. If you drove to the trip, you’re free to head out after breakfast.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel: Driving (1.5 hours)