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 except for some very steep steps. 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. The Twin Arches trailhead is located on the western edge of the park off of Divide Road in Tennessee.

We will start at the Twin Arches Trail, a .7 mile walk which will take you to the Twin Arches and the Twin Arches Loop Trail. We will then hike the Twin Arches Loop clockwise. We will descend about 400 feet from the arches to Charit Creek Lodge. At the Lodge you will find restrooms, and maybe even some refreshments. From there the trail follows along Station Camp Creek to an old home site known as Jake's Place. Past Jake's Place the trail once again climbs almost to the top of the plateau and follows the base of a cliff line back to the Twin Arches. Along this section are several huge rock shelters once used by Native Americans, early settlers and even niter miners. Upon reaching the Twin Arches you may return to the parking lot by climbing the stairs between the arches and following the Twin Arches Trail back.

Total distance hiked will be 4.5. Those wanting to carpool plan to meet at the Hardee's on Buffalo Rd in Clinton (exit 122 from I 75) at 7:00 a.m. Drive from there is 75 miles. Round trip 150 miles @ 7 cents/miles = $10.50 to reimburse driver. We will meet at the Twin Arches trailhead at 9:00 a.m. Eastern standard Time. Be aware that the trailhead is in the Central Time Zone and cell coverage is very spotty. If you use Google maps it may be best to download directions ahead of time. Pre-register at www.smhclub.org AND with leader to help determine who is carpooling and who is meeting at the trailhead.

Leader: David Liles

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.