How Many Miles of Hiking Trails Are in Big South Fork?

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination for hiking and camping in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky. With over 100 miles of trails, this area offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The trails range from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking treks. There are also plenty of overlooks and scenic vistas to take in along the way.

The Big South Fork trail system consists of nine designated trails, each with its own unique characteristics. The Sheltowee Trace is the longest at nearly 70 miles, while the shortest is the Bandy Creek Loop at just over two miles. The other seven trails range from five to fifteen miles in length and offer a variety of terrain including open meadows, rhododendron-lined mountain paths, and rugged canyons to explore.

In addition to these nine trails, there are also several smaller connector trails that link up with the main ones. These short connector trails provide access to points of interest such as waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historical sites. They also provide shorter routes for those who don’t want to tackle a full day hike or overnight backpacking trip.

The total length of all the trails combined is approximately 100 miles. This includes both main trails and connector trails as well as some unmarked routes that are not officially part of the trail system but can be used by hikers with proper map reading skills and experience in wilderness navigation.

Conclusion:

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has an impressive 100 miles of hiking trails that provide something for everyone from beginner hikers to seasoned backpackers. With nine designated main trails ranging from two to nearly seventy miles long, plus several smaller connector trails linking up with them, there’s no shortage of places to explore in this beautiful outdoor destination.

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Samantha Mckinney