Big South Fork Overnight - Twin Arches - March 7-8, 2026
Details
Please read the entire description before you RSVP
First, the admin stuff:
1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. Venmo me $5 to help cover the permit fees. (My Venmo is @BackpackerWill). This will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step).
4. Show up.
5. Hike.
(NOTE: Capacity for this trip is 10 people)
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Now for the good part!
Let's go have a winter adventure in Big South Fork National River & Resource Area. This trip will be in the Twin Arches area, but it's not the same trip we often do for Beginner trips.
Saturday, March 7: We will meet at the Sawmill Trailhead no later than 11:00 AM Central Time (11:00 PM Eastern). From there, we will hike the Slave Falls Loop Trail to Slave Falls, then continue on to the Jakes Place campsite, and then follow the Twin Arches Loop trail clockwise (turn left) to Twin Arches. From there we will continue along the Twin Arches Loop trail past Charit Creek Lodge, and find a campsite along Station Camp Creek somewhere between Charit Creek and Jakes Place. If we're unable to find a suitable spot, we'll continue on to Jakes Place and camp there.
Totals for the day:
Miles: 6-7
Approximate Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,500/2,000
Sunday, March 8: We will hike the remainder of the Twin Arches Loop and back to the Slave Falls Loop Trail back to the trailhead.
Miles: 4-5
Elevation G/L: 1,200/700
Totals for the trip: Approx. 11 miles, 2,800 ft elevation gain/loss.
Difficulty: This is a moderate to strenuous hike, but suitable for any skill level. Please know your fitness level, have a map, and be able to navigate before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp. This is a go at your own pace hike.
Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast. It will likely be quite chilly, so plan accordingly. I'll post weather updates closer to the trip.
Water: We will camp right next to water. There will be some water along the route, but plan to carry enough to get yourself to camp.
Food Storage: There are bears in Big South Fork. I recommend using an Ursack, canister, or bear hang.
Cost: The cost is $5 to cover the cost of the permits. My Venmo is @BackpackerWill
Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at the trailhead. If you're carpooling, please be prepared to help the driver out with gas money.
If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.