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Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, TN

June 8, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - June 14, 2025 @ 8:00 am

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Explore the highest arches east of the Mississippi River at one of the most popular destinations in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area! With scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is rich with natural, historic and cultural features.

The park is on the world famous Cumberland Plateau with 125,000 acres of beautiful overlooks, a free-flowing river, abundant wildlife and during the spring boasts beautiful fauna. The Twin Arches trail goes over one of the arches and provides a scenic view of the valley below.

The Twin Arches are one of the most visited areas in the park and this trail also leads to Charit Creek Lodge, an active lodge that was built in the 1830’s.

Volunteers will repair tread, build water bars, boardwalks, remove vegetation and repair and replace ladders. Work will use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, handsaws, hand drills and hammers. Volunteers will drive or carpool to the trailhead. Hiking will be required from the trailhead to the area of work. The trail is steep in most areas and will require sturdy shoes. The hike will vary from 1-2 miles daily.

Register

Host

Private: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will be driven or carpool to the trailhead parking lot and walk approximately 1 mile to the worksite. The terrain is steep and rocky so sturdy shoes are highly recommended.

Project Rating

Moderate

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is home to hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing, hunting, ranger led hikes and programs. Pickett State Park and Daniel Boone National Forest are in close proximity. The Daniel Boone National Forest offers numerous recreational activities and magnificent scenery. Pickett State Park has a lake with canoe rentals for paddling and/or fishing. Visit the Blue Heron Mining Community, a coal mining town once owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. Enjoy a train ride with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway from Stearns into Blue Heron.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay at a group campground with a bathhouse close by that includes hot showers and toilets, a screened-in pavilion, picnic tables, water, fireplace and grill. Volunteers will need to bring their personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries. The accommodations are a few yards away from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Travel

McGee Tyson in Knoxville, TN is the closest airport. Airport pickup is not available but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
151 Stable Road, Oneida, TN 37841 United States + Google Map