Big South Fork

**J3bags** · 12-16-2015, 08:39

Considering the BSF over the holiday for 2 or 3 days, sometime between 12/26 and 12/30 depending upon response. This would be a first (but long anticipated) trip to the BSF for myself. Chime in if interested.

An alternate trip might be Cumberland Falls.

**Broken Halo** · 12-16-2015, 09:03

Man, I wish I could. But, I don't think I can swing that weekend with all the family stuff going on.

**Broken Halo** · 12-20-2015, 21:13

J3B - I'm in. Maybe we can get some feedback on possible routes.

We are looking at a 2 night loop from the Middle Creek trail head past Slave Falls, Needle Arch, Twin Arches to Charit Creek Lodge and back. This looks to be a 20 mile loop according Hiking the Big South Fork. Anything else in the area we should do if time permits?

Any other ideas for a 2 night loop?

**J3bags** · 12-20-2015, 22:14

Originally Posted by Broken Halo

J3B - I'm in. Maybe we can get some feedback on possible routes.

We are looking at a 2 night loop from the Middle Creek trail head past Slave Falls, Needle Arch, Twin Arches to Charit Creek Lodge and back. This looks to be a 20 mile loop according Hiking the Big South Fork. Anything else in the area we should do if time permits?

Any other ideas for a 2 night loop?

Also, could anybody comment on water sources on this route?
Thx

**Boy_Scout** · 12-20-2015, 23:58

I need to see if I can extend my vacation a couple of days. I should know in a day or so. Not sure how I will fit in two dutch ovens and a tripod. Will someone be able to help with the Yeti? Just kidding, I have a dolly

**Broken Halo** · 12-21-2015, 08:05

Originally Posted by J3bags

Also, could anybody comment on water sources on this route?
Thx

Looking at the map it looks like most of the Slave Falls to Charit Creek Trail follows the creek (from the Sawmill trail head to the lodge).

I know the lodge sits on the creek and there's a great campsite not far from the lodge. If want to extend the route we can take the Sheltowee down to the Laurel Fork Trail back toward Middle Creek trail head. Lots of water on that trial (lots of water crossings too).

Originally Posted by Boy_Scout

I need to see if I can extend my vacation a couple of days. I should know in a day or so. Not sure how I will fit in two dutch ovens and a tripod. Will someone be able to help with the Yeti? Just kidding, I have a dolly

**Broken Halo** · 12-21-2015, 11:15

Just some thoughts. I'm game for whatever - I'm just excited to get to go and that backpacking season has started!

Option 1: Slave Falls/Twin Arches Loop
This area should take us past some rock shelters, water fall, 3 arches, Charit Creek Lodge and some pretty hiking along Laurel Creek. My only concern might be the number of water crossing on the Laurel Fork Creek Trail.

From the Middle Fork trail head to Charit Creek Lodge past the falls & arches looks to be about 7 miles (plus the spur trails to the falls). From the lodge back to the Middle Fork along Laurel Fork Creek Trail looks like 11.3 - 12.6 miles depending upon the exact route.

There should be some good spots to camp between the falls and the split to the arches or at the "island" near the lodge. There should be multiple options to camp along Laurel Fork Creek.

If we are running short on time we could back track from the Charit Creek Lodge. If we think we have time we could take the Sheltowee down to the Laurel Fork Trail back over toward Middle Creek.

BSFMap.jpg

Option 2: Yahoo Falls/Princess Falls Loop
Yahoo Falls & Princess Falls that we talked about could be an option too. According to "Hiking the Big South Fork" that would be about 15-16 miles.

The miles in the book vs the Nat Geo map don't match up exactly. But, they're close.