The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, the 125,000-acre national park bordering Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat, is a paradise for hikers. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails lead hikers and explorers to stunning rock formations and scenic landscapes.

Waterfalls, wildlife (including whitetail deer, wild turkey, and black bear), natural arches, rock houses, and cave-like structures are among the features in the Big South Fork backcountry. Trails range from short, easy hikes to long-distance hikes. Leatherwood Ford, located on S.R. 297 just east of Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat, is the southern terminus for the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, which travels through Big South Fork NRRA and the Daniel Boone National Forest. It is also the southern terminus for the John Muir Trail, another long-distance trail that travels through Big South Fork and Pickett State Forest.

Hiking Trailhead Map

Hiking Trails Quick Guide

From easy day hikes with scenic destinations to advanced hikes for serious explorers, there’s something for everyone at Big South Fork.

Show popular hiking trails »

Angel Falls Trail

Mileage: 2.0 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Features: River views, bluffs, rapids, wildflowers
Access: Leatherwood Ford on Hwy. 297

Angel Falls Overlook

Mileage: 2.8 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Features: River views, bluffs, overlooks, rapids
Access: Leatherwood Ford on Hwy. 297

Grand Gap Loop

Mileage: 6.8 mile loop, 5.6 mile to loop (12.4 total miles)
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Features: Numerous river views, hardwood forest
Access: Leatherwood Ford on Hwy. 297

Bandy Creek Loop Trail

Mileage: 1.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Upland forest
Access: Bandy Creek Visitor Center

Oscar Blevins Loop

Mileage: 3.2 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Mature forest, historic farm, rock shelters, waterfalls
Access: Bandy Creek Campground Trailhead

John Litton General Slaven Loop

Mileage: 5.9 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Old farmstead, small waterfalls, rock bluffs
Access: Bandy Creek Campground Trailhead

Middle Creek Loop

Mileage: 3.5 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Forest, rock shelters, bluffs
Access: Turn right off Hwy. 154 onto Fork Ridge Road, continue .7 miles to Middle Creek Trailhead

Slave Falls Loop

Mileage: 3.2 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Waterfalls, bluffs, rock shelters, Slave Falls, Needle Arch
Access: Turn right off Hwy. 154 onto Fork Ridge Road, continue 3 miles to Sawmill Trailhead

Twin Arches

Mileage: 0.7 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult (with steps)
Features: Natural arches, overlooks, bluffs
Access: Turn right off Hwy. 154 onto Fork Ridge Road, turn left onto Divide Road for 3.5 miles, turn right on Twin Arches Road and drive 2 miles to Trailhead

Twin Arches Loop

Mileage: 6.0 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult (with steps)
Features: Historic farm, Charit Creek Lodge
Access: urn right off Hwy. 154 onto Fork Ridge Road, turn left onto Divide Road for 3.5 miles, turn right on Twin Arches Road and drive 2 miles to Trailhead

Burnt Mill Bridge Loop

Mileage: 4.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Clear Fork River, bluffs, wildflowers
Access: Take Hwy. 27 south 11 miles, turn right onto Mountain View Road and follow signs for 5.3 miles to Burnt Mill Fork Bridge Trailhead

Honey Creek Loop

Mileage: 5.0 mile loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Features: Overlooks, waterfalls, rock formations, wildflowers, Big South Fork River
Access: Continue as above for Burnt Mill Bridge Loop, cross bridge and continue 3.5 miles, turn right to Honey Creek Trailhead

Gentlemen's Swimming Hole

Mileage: 0.4 mile (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Clear Fork River, wildflowers, historic cemetery, interesting cliffs and boulders
Access: Take Hwy. 27 south to Rt. 52, follow Rt. 52 west for 7 miles to Rugby. Turn right at sign for Laurel Dale Cemetery, trailhead is at cemetery on the left.