Big South Fork - Base Camping + Day Hiking

BIG SOUTH FORK Camping/Hiking:

Where: Big South Fork National River & Rec. Area, Oneida TN

What: Bandy Creek base camping and day hiking

GPS: Google Maps: search for Bandy Creek Campground
(approx. 240 miles from Cincinnati, allow 4 hours)

Group Size: 8 (2 campsites: D8, D11 (Thu, Fri and Sat nights).

Cost: approx $20 per person to cover campsites and firewood (will collect around the campfire - final cost depends on number attending and firewood amount).

Car Pooling: On your own, use Meetup to ask for a ride or offer a ride. A good place to meet is out past the garden center at Meijer on Houston Road in KY.
Communication: Once I know who is attending, I’ll ask for your cell phone number so I can set up a group chat the day before the trip.

Campsites are on Loop D (the only loop open in winter) and are near the bathhouse (restrooms andshowers, water spigot nearby, sink for washing dishes).

We will be doing day hikes - 6 miles to 8 miles per day (last day will be shorter to allow for drive time back home) - day hike destinations will be chosen based on trail and weather conditions. Some of the hikes may require us to pre-stage car(s) at trail end. Possible hikes include: Leatherwood to Grand Gap (7.6), Leatherwood to Bandy (8.0), Rock Creek Loop (6.9), Hidden Passage to Rock Creek (7.4), Twin Arches Loop (6.7), Middle Creek to Charit (7.1), Honey Creek Loop (5.5).

Everyone is on their own for food, cooler, and ice. Campsites have a picnic table and grill. Also, I will be bringing a gas grill and charcoal grill which I will be willing to share. I will have a large cooler for anyone who wants ice or cold storage. The camp store has ice plus limited grocery items. (in addition to firewood).

Participants on this trip should have all of their own camping gear and food. Some of the hikes may have water crossings so carry water shoes with your day pack. If you have any questions about what you need to bring, you can email me using Meetup, or call/text me at 513-608-2921.

TRIP RULES:

1. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on leash.
2. Please only RSVP “yes” if you actually plan to attend as space is limited on this trip.
3. Cost: The cost of gas to be shared with your driver.
4. Difficulty level: Moderate.
5. Distance: Day hikes will vary between 6 miles and 8 miles
6. Pace: Moderate (we usually break up into hares and turtles).
7. Travel time: About 4 hours driving time from Cincinnati
8. The trip limit and RSVP deadline can change without notice.
9. PLEASE READ: The trip leader is guided by the doctrine of assumed risk by all participants: you are responsible for knowing the risks of camping/hiking and agree to assume those risks. Full disclosure: I am not a professional hiking, backpacking or mountaineering guide - participate in this activity at your own risk!

HIKE PLAN:
Day 1 (Friday): Carpool and park cars at Leatherwood Ford trail head (restrooms). Hike via Sheltowee Trace back to Bandy Creek Campground (8.0 miles). Drivers shuttle back to cars.

Day 2 (Saturday): Carpool and park cars at Rock Creek trail head (no restrooms). Hike the Rock Creek Loop and return to cars. (6.9 miles).

Day 3 (Sunday): Break camp and drive to Charit Creek trail head. Hike down to Charit and do the Twin Arches Loop - stop at Charit Lodge for restrooms and refreshments. (6.7 miles). If anyone wants to head home early you can drive on past Chart Creek trail head to Twin Arches trail head (restrooms) and do the 5.5 mile Twin Arches Loop (which also passes by Charit Lodge).

If you have any questions....contact Terry. (cell 513-608-2921)