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Exploring the Big South Fork
Big South Fork, TN
7 Days
From $2995
Hiking, a day of navigating, and identifying Wildflowers
Exploring the Big South Fork
Big South Fork, TN
7 Days
From $2995
Hiking, a day of navigating, and identifying Wildflowers
Trip Overview
Retreat to the Wild—Unplug and Explore the Hidden Beauty of Big South Fork
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Kentucky and Tennessee lies Big South Fork, a lesser-known gem brimming with natural wonders. Here, waterfalls tumble through deep gorges, sandstone arches rise above forested trails, and the sounds of rushing rivers echo through the canyon walls. Managed by the National Park Service, this remote region is a dream for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone craving a true escape.
Our journey leads us to Charit Creek Lodge—a rustic, off-the-grid retreat nestled deep within the park. Reachable only by trail, this historic lodge offers the rare chance to fully unplug. Sleep in cozy, primitive cabins warmed by wood stoves, shower beneath the stars, and share meals by the soft flow of oil lamps in the communal dining room.
With plenty of time to explore scenic trails, soak in sweeping views, and reconnect with nature (and yourself), this is the kind of getaway that nourishes the soul. Great hiking, peaceful surroundings, and just the right touch of backcountry charm—Big South Fork offers an experience that’s as refreshing as it is unforgettable.
Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Learning about the natural history & the equally fascinating human history of this area
- Spending time off the beaten path at 2 beautiful parks, Pickett State Park and Big South Fork National River and Recreational area
- Exploring the waterfalls, soaring cliffs, caves, sandstone arches, forests, rivers, and lakes of this amazing Big South Fork National River and Recreational area
- Staying at 3 very different accommodations; Pickett State Park cabins with their 60s atmosphere, Charit Creek Lodge where time stands still and dinner is by oil lamp light and The Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast for a bit of pampering
- Learning navigational skills for hiking
- Spending an afternoon identifying local plants, trees, and wildflowers
Inclusions
- 1 - 2 AGC guides based on group size
- Six nights lodging in accommodations listed in the itinerary
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on the Day 7. Guides will prepare meals at Picket SP, the Lodge provides meals at Charit Lodge. On Day 6, dinner will be at The Garden Inn and the final breakfast prior to departure will also be at The Garden Inn
- Round-trip transportation from Knoxville, TN airport (TYS), transportation to all parks/accommodations and all activities on the itinerary
- Park entry fees
Not included: Travel to and from Knoxville, TN, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and Travel Insurance.
Trip Info
This trip is suitable for any woman who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. While the trail ups and downs are not huge (i.e less than 1000 feet at a time), they are continuous and there is little flat. You will be hiking to the Charit Creek Lodge (about 1.1 miles) with your overnight gear for 2 nights. A rating of 3 requires aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. There are typically 4 to 6 hours of daily activity.
Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5
Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.
This trip combines hiking with an immersion into the uniqueness of this fascinating area - there is no better way to understand these two parks than by staying in the midst of them and exploring by foot. Hikes are moderate in terms of length and elevation gain, and it is an excellent trip for beginner to experienced hikers who like to immerse themselves in their trips.
Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.
We'll spend the first three nights in small cabins at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park about two hours outside of Knoxville, TN. Cabins are lovely wood frame structures and accommodate 2 - 3 persons per cabin. Some cabins have separate bedrooms and/or bedroom in the living area. All are shared bathrooms.
The next two nights will be spent at Charit Creek Lodge inside the South Fork National River and Recreation Area, located in both Tennessee and Kentucky. You will be hiking to the Lodge (about 1.1 miles) with your overnight gear for 2 nights. Accommodations at Charit are in a rustic bunkhouse with bunk beds. We rent enough bunk rooms so that no upper bunks will be in use. There is no electricity and shower and toilet facilities are in a separate building. Meals are provided by Charit in the communal dining room.
Our last night will be spent at a wonderful B & B, The Garden Inn, for a bit of pampering before going home.
Ready to picture yourself on this adventure?
Download the detailed trip summary for a closer look — daily highlights, travel notes, and everything you need to know before you go. It’s the perfect way to dream, plan, and share with a friend!
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~2 hours)
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~2 hours)
DAY 2
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
In the afternoon, we’ll return to our cabins for dinner and relaxation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Pickett State Park Cabins (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-6 miles)
DAY 3
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~1.8 miles + ~4 optional miles)
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~1.8 miles + ~4 optional miles)
DAY 4
After breakfast and final preparations for our stay at Charit Creek, we’ll head west to the Sawmill Trailhead for a scenic hike along the 4.3-mile Slave Falls Loop. This route winds through hemlock forests, passing a sandstone arch, a rock house, and a picturesque waterfall.
After returning to the vans, we’ll continue to the Charit Creek parking area, where we’ll pack only the essentials into our backpacks before beginning the 1.1-mile hike down switchbacks and a ladder to Charit Creek Lodge. Be sure to review the packing list and bring only what you need!
Once we arrive in Charit’s peaceful valley, you’ll feel yourself start to unwind, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the stream, inviting front porch rocking chairs, and cozy fire pits outside the cabins. We’ll spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the atmosphere before the dinner bell rings, calling us to a delicious family-style meal with our group.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Charit Creek Lodge (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (5-6 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~20 minutes)
After returning to the vans, we’ll continue to the Charit Creek parking area, where we’ll pack only the essentials into our backpacks before beginning the 1.1-mile hike down switchbacks and a ladder to Charit Creek Lodge. Be sure to review the packing list and bring only what you need!
Once we arrive in Charit’s peaceful valley, you’ll feel yourself start to unwind, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the stream, inviting front porch rocking chairs, and cozy fire pits outside the cabins. We’ll spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the atmosphere before the dinner bell rings, calling us to a delicious family-style meal with our group.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Charit Creek Lodge (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (5-6 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~20 minutes)
DAY 5
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~5 miles)
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (~5 miles)
DAY 6
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2-3 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~1.5 hours)
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 (or similar)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2-3 miles)
Travel Time: Driving (~1.5 hours)
DAY 7
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 Time: Driving (~1.5 hours)
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 Time: Driving (~1.5 hours)
Reviews
4.6
(25 reviews)
5
(17)
4
(6)
3
(2)
2
(0)
1
(0)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Lori M.
0 months ago
Fantastic guides and fantastic scenery and the group was wonderful
Angela P.
0 months ago
The guides were welcoming, friendly and encouraging. I loved that the trails weren't busy or crowded. We usually only encountered one or 2 groups on any given hike. Each hike had one or 2 surprises like an arch, stone house, bridge, ladder or waterfall. The food was delicious, especially the meals cooked by the guides. Most importantly, the connections I made with the participants is something I treasure. Such a wonderful group of strong, amazing women!
Sharon C.
0 months ago
The lodging was fantastic at Pickett & Charit Creek; planned hikes in both locations were great & the food was plentiful & excellent!
Andrea B.
0 months ago
Cynthia R.
2 years ago
Barbara C.
2 years ago
Trails were good. The geology of the region was explained well and was fascinating to see. The guides were excellent, as usual. The group of women were very congenial and fun to get to know.
Susan S.
2 years ago
Great weather, beautiful hikes, friendly people.
Brenda H.
2 years ago
Loved being out in the forest hiking each morning. The scenery: rock formations, waterfalls, wild flowers were beautiful.
Laurie L.
2 years ago
Excellent weather in a fabulous venue
Janet O.
2 years ago
the location and type of trip where you could really get off the grid and into nature
Nancy S.
2 years ago
Elisa W.
2 years ago
This trip really gave me a lot of confidence about hiking. I was nervous whether the terrain would be too challenging and whether my endurance would be adequate but with the help of the great guides, i realized I can do a lot more than I thought! Also, I really like exploring this part of the country.
Patricia G.
2 years ago
New friends, lovely landscapes in a part of the country I did not know existed. The only reason I didn’t rate it a 5/5 is that I wanted a little more physical challenge but that is probably more my problem than any real issues with the trip.
Ford B.
2 years ago
Nancy F.
3 years ago
The hiking, the camaraderie, the accommodations, especially charit creek lodge, the guides
Karen R.
3 years ago
Each hike was new & gorgeous. The pace of each day was well laid out for my expectations. There were offerings for those who wanted to add in some additional hikes, but there was also some "down" time built in to the schedule. Jody & Tali were brilliant guides and worked well together. Communication was excellent. Food was excellent. Transportation was well thought-thru and coordinated. It was obvious that each trail had been vetted and measured to be a perfect "3" for me... like Goldilocks ... not too much, not too little :)
Phyllis T.
3 years ago
Great hiking and a very fun group of women.
Kathy F.
3 years ago
Great guides and overall plan of trip
Sarah C.
3 years ago
Being able to travel with my mom. Having time fully "off the grid" and experiencing new things. This is a great trip!
Alice C.
3 years ago
New things I saw and experienced, wonderful friendships formed, & escape from modern day necessities.
Laura B.
3 years ago
Enjoyed being "off the grid" for a few days. Nice to be able to disconnect.
Susan R.
4 years ago
I really didn't have any expectations, so everything was a nice surprise. I just wanted to get outside and hike. One thing I did realize, is that being used to longer, harder hikes, I missed the opportunity to hike for an hour or two+ at a steady pace, losing myself in the trail. I will need to adjust my expectations when I do another level 3 to adjust my mindset.
Lynn W.
4 years ago
Eenee F.
4 years ago
yes. I expected good food, knowledgable guides and clean comfortable lodgings.
Kristine S.
4 years ago
The hiking trails were scenic, beautiful paths to walk. My kind of favorite hiking. The bunkhouse life was dismal. However I liked the way it brought the group together during porch time!
Dates & Prices
| Year | Departure Date | Availability | Price |
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Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
All but 1 dinner will be prepared by your guides or by Charit Creek Lodge. The dinner on the last night is at at the Bed and Breakfast Inn. Lunches will be packed lunches provided by your guides and Charit Creek Lodge.
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, if we know well in advance. If you’re severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you’re vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars.
There is only 1 night (at The Garden Inn B & B) that a single supplement is available. The majority of the rooms are single rooms. You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll will assign rooms randomly.
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