Twin Arches Loop Loop
4.7 mi
Distance
2 hrs 27 min
Time
terrain
573 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a easy loop trail in Big South Fork National River & Rec Area.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Stunning natural arches and cliffs. The trail winds through delightful woody trails, a marshy area, and sandstone cliffs. Spur from and to parking is about 1/2 mile. Well-maintained stairs and ladders around North Arch can be slippery with icing, but have sturdy handrails for security. Summary--delightful trek; well worth the time driving to trailhead.
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This is a fantastic hike -- the long loop around (past Charit Creek Lodge) is definitely worth it! You go from the Arches to a lowland forest to a marshy area then back up and through some really stunning sandstone cliffs. The elevation gain is not that great -- a few hundred feet out and back, mostly in some steep stairs around the Arches and a few hairpin switchbacks -- but it was not really too difficult, and the scenic payoff is worth every minute of it. I agree that the distance, from the parking lot and back to the parking lot, is more like 6 miles.
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Public Tracks
Twin Arches Loop 4/9/17 Big South Fork
Absolutely stunning hiking trip. Must see trip in Big South Fork TN. This is one of the best hiking trails I have ever done in my life - rivals some of my favorite Utah hikes. Arches are amazing and the trail winds through some awesome scenery. Note, the loop is NOT 4.5 miles as noted in several guides. From parking lot and back on the loop miles was 5.8 miles. Trail was medium to hard due to some tough climbs and treacherous stairs/ladders. Well worth the effort. Rate this a 10.
