In early May, 2013, I headed back to Big South Fork for another short day hike. This time, I chose to visit Slave Falls and Needle Arch from the Sawmill trailhead in the southwestern part of the park. To reach the trailhead, travel north on TN 154 for 2.0 miles from its junction with TN 297. Turn right onto the gravel Divide Road and drive for 1.0 miles before turning right onto Ridge Fork Road. Follow Ridge Fork for approximately 1.1 miles and look for the parking area on the left. The road narrows significantly after 0.7 miles and the wide turnout to the Middle Creek equestrian trailhead on the left. There was even a "One Lane" road sign to the right on Ridge Fork Road when I was there. The trailhead parking area has several signs, a fenced portable toilet, and a bear-proof trash receptacle. The trail is wide and well maintained. Each junction on the trail is clearly marked with large signs usually protruding at least partially onto the trail. Even after the abundance of rain this year, there were very few wet or even damp areas along the trail. The one exception was the rockhouse along the spur trail to Slave Falls. Enough water was dripping off of the overhang that I had a fleeting thought that this was Slave Falls. However, I quickly recalled the park service website showed a wooden fence at the falls, so I knew this wasn't the end of the trail. There are interpretive signs at both Slave Falls and Needle Arch.
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| Sawmill Trailhead |
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| The trail is wide and well maintained |
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| No stumps, roots or rocks in sight! |
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| Looking at the green branches, this tree hasn't been down long |
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| The bridge above crosses this small creek |
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| The short spur trail to the falls drops below the edge of the bluff |
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| The trail goes through a rockhouse |
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| Slave Falls |
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| Slave Falls from near the base |
After climbing back up to the main trail, turn left to visit Needle Arch. This ¼ mile portion of the trail between Needle Arch and the Slave Falls loop trail junction has obvious evidence of equestrian use, so expect an uneven surface instead of the smooth, packed surface of the rest of the trail.The hike can be extended from 3.0 miles to 4.2 miles by taking a left toward Indian Rock House at the first junction heading back toward the parking area on the Slave Falls loop trail. Due to the increasing clouds and the forecast of rain, I chose the more direct route back to the car.
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| The trail to the arch is for multiple uses including horses |
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| Needle Arch from the interpretive sign |
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| Needle Arch from the far end |
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| Needle Arch from the near end |
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| Looking into the Slave Falls gulf on the return |
I managed to get back to the car before the rain began and stopped to take a picture of the Watson's Branch Wildlife Demonstration Area, an experimental plot on the west side of Divide Road. A sign noted that the area was established in 2007 and contains "a combination of warm season and cool season planting" which provides both cover and food for local wildlife.
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| A portion of the forest has been converted into a wildlife meadow |
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| Oops, how did that get there? |
The brief thunderstorm had caused a small maple tree to fall across Divide Road. Fortunately, there is cell coverage at this particular point. Thanks to my daughter who called in the downed tree, a ranger was dispatched to reopen the road. Luckily for me, a couple of local guys drove up and used a pocket saw to clear the way as shown below. While I didn't have to wait on the ranger to get out, she did meet me before I had driven very far down the road and apologized for the delay. I guess my expectations were too low as I thought she arrived fairly quickly.  |
| Joe and his buddy made quick work of the tree |
This was an excellent day hike with a total distance of about three miles. The trailhead elevation is nearly 1600 feet and the trail descends about 250 feet to the falls. While there was one other car at the trailhead, I did not see another soul on my hike.
The park website is http://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm.
