Big South Fork: Lodge-based Hiking Expedition
Discover a landscape of cliffs, rivers, and history — with days on trail and nights at a timeless backcountry lodge.
Big South Fork: Lodge-Based Hiking Expedition
Explore the sandstone cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and rich history of the Cumberland Plateau — with nights spent in historic lodges.
This four-day expedition blends guided hiking with a unique lodge-based experience in the heart of the Big South Fork. From the historic village of Rugby, Tennessee to the remote backcountry setting of Charit Creek Lodge, this journey connects landscapes, stories, and traditions that define this remarkable region.
Participants explore waterfalls, rock formations, and scenic overlooks by day, while evenings are spent in historic inns and backcountry cabins, offering a rare opportunity to experience the region both comfortably and authentically.
A Landscape of Cliffs, Rivers & History
The Big South Fork is one of the most distinctive landscapes in the eastern United States.
Carved into the Cumberland Plateau, this region is known for:
- towering sandstone cliffs and rock shelters
- natural arches and dramatic overlooks
- forested river corridors and waterfalls
- a deep cultural history shaped by early settlers and Native peoples
This expedition begins in the historic community of Rugby, Tennessee, a preserved 19th-century village founded as a utopian settlement, before moving into the remote backcountry of the park itself.
The Big South Fork Lodge-Based Experience
This trip is designed to combine immersive hiking with unique lodging experiences.
Rather than moving camp each night, participants stay in:
- a historic inn in Rugby
- rustic backcountry cabins at Charit Creek Lodge
Access to Charit Creek Lodge requires a short hike into the backcountry, carrying only essential overnight items. Once there, participants enjoy family-style meals, lantern-lit evenings, and a setting that feels unchanged by time.
The experience includes:
- guided hikes to waterfalls, arches, and overlooks
- exploration of historic communities and cultural sites
- time at swimming holes and scenic river areas
- evenings in unique and memorable lodging
Quick Facts
Location: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 4-12 Participants
Total Mileage: 10-15 Miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Terrain: Sandstone Cliffs, Natural Arches, Forested Ridges, River-carved Gorges
Fitness Level: Easy / Active
Cost: From $2,499
Big South Fork Lodge Expedition Overview
Day 1
Set out for Rugby, TN
Our adventure begins this morning in Knoxville, Tennessee, where we meet our guides and fellow travelers. Following a brief orientation, we hop in the van for a 1.5-hour shuttle to the historic town of Rugby, TN, on the Cumberland Plateau. Founded in the 1880’s. Rugby is the oldest living historic village in the US. Named after Thomas Hughes’ alma mater in England, Rugby was conceived as a class-free, agricultural community for younger sons of English gentry and others wishing to start a new life in America. Today Rugby is both a living community and a fascinating public historic site run by Historic Rugby. En route to Rugby we stretch our legs with a short hike out to Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole where we have a chance for a dip on a hot day. Later we explore Rugby with a private tour of the historic structures including a library filled with first addition books from the 17th century. This evening is spent in a lovely inn where we enjoy an authentic Southern dinner. The inn keepers will regale us with tales of their family who lived in Rugby during its heyday. Lunch and dinner Included.
Hiking: 2.1 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/- 305′; Transfer: 1.5 hours
Day 2
Hike to Slave Falls, Twin Arches and to Charit Creek Lodge
We enjoy a hearty breakfast before a short transfer to our trailhead in the Big South Fork. Slave Falls is named after the escaped, enslaved people who would hide in the many caves and rock outcroppings, as they were following the Underground Railroad. This amazing trail takes us by several awe-inspiring rock outcroppings to the 60′ falls surrounded by a grotto. We’ll lunch on the bluffs overlooking the falls before a quick transfer to the Twin Arches trailhead. The Twin Arches are one of the largest natural bridge formations in the world—one arch tops out at 103′ and the other at 62′. We load up our packs with overnight items (20 – 25 pounds) and continue our hike to the backcountry Charit Creek Lodge, only accessible by hiking or horseback, and get checked into our rustic cabins. After dinner, we’ll take a tour of the property, learning about the life of the original settlers. Enjoy a campfire under the dark skies of the Big South Fork. All meals included.
Hiking: 4 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +321’/-871′; Transfer: 1 hour
Day 3
Hike to Charit Creek Overlook in the heart of the Big South Fork
Wake up to a hot beverage and delicious breakfast before heading out for today’s hike. An easy four-mile round trip hike up the Hatfield Ridge Trail brings us to the Charit Creek Overlook. We enjoy lunch with unspoiled sweeping views and get a birds-eye view of the lodge below. We’ll head back to the lodge for a chance to splash around in a swimming hole or explore more of the Sheltowee Trace before another delicious home-cooked family-style dinner. After dinner, we’ll do a short night hike along the river before heading to our cabins for a peaceful night’s sleep. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +/- 656′
Day 4
Hike out of the Valley and explore Blue Heron
Enjoy a hike from the Charit Creek Lodge up the Twin Arches trail for our final breathtaking view. We say goodbye to Charit Creek Lodge and hike out of the valley and transfer to the Blue Heron Mining Community. Blue Heron is a former coal mining community on the banks of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River that has been recreated and is maintained as an interpretive history area in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. As we walk along the banks of the beautiful Big South Fork, we’ll wander through the Ghost Structures of this abandoned mining town and learn about the importance of mining to this region’s economy. As we lunch on the banks of the river, we’ll get a deep appreciation for the people who came before us and the wisdom of the Park Service who is working to restore and protect this critical watershed. Following our exploration, we’ll head back to Knoxville arriving in the late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 1.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +689’/-89′; Transfer: 3.5 hours
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the daily mileage and itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.
Why This Lodge-based Expedition Is Unique
Few trips combine this level of landscape, history, and lodging character.
From a preserved 19th-century village to a remote backcountry lodge accessible only by trail, this journey offers a deeper connection to the region than a typical hiking trip.
Highlights include:
- hiking to Slave Falls and the Twin Arches
- staying at the historic Charit Creek Lodge
- exploring the story of Rugby’s utopian past
- visiting the restored mining community of Blue Heron
The result is an experience that feels both active and reflective, blending outdoor adventure with cultural immersion.
Participant Experience
Your Expedition Leadership
Every expedition is led by professionals with decades of combined field experience across the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Our leaders know these landscapes intimately—from seasonal weather patterns and trail conditions to water sources and emergency exit routes—and plan each trip accordingly. All guides are trained in wilderness risk management, decision-making under changing conditions, and group safety protocols, ensuring trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in professional judgment rather than improvisation.
Inclusions
- Professional Guide Leadership
- Permits & Logistics
- Pre-Trip Planning Support
- Expedition Briefing Materials
- Gear Rental as Needed
- Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks
- Transportation Throughout Trip
- Small Group Format
Exclusions
- Personal Items (toiletries, clothing)
- Prefered Comfort Food / Snacks
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Airport Transfer
- Lodging before/after Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How much hiking is there each day?
Participants typically hike 2–5 hours per day, with distances up to about 5 miles. Trails may include moderate elevation changes, rocky sections, and uneven footing typical of the Cumberland Plateau.
What if weather shifts?
Weather is an inherent part of wilderness travel, and itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Trip leaders monitor forecasts closely and make real-time adjustments to routes, pacing, or daily objectives as needed. In the event of severe conditions, alternative plans or modified activities may be implemented to maintain safety without compromising the overall experience.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the planning involved in these trips, we require a 60 day cancellation. A refund will be provided for cancellations up to 60 days prior to arrival. Cancellations between 59 and 30 days of your trip will be refunded half of the full trip charge. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice. If the guide cancels your trip due to hazardous weather conditions prior to starting the trip, you will be refunded the full trip price. If the guide or a member of another group on the trip ends the trip early, you will be refunded a prorated portion of the cost. If we begin the trip and you or anyone in your group decides to end the trip early for any reason, there will be no refund. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies. If you need to be evacuated for any reason, you will be responsible for the cost. Transportation costs can range from $75 to $300 depending on where you are at the time of the evacuation. If staff needs to hike in to hike you out or assist in an evacuation, you will be responsible for the cost.
We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Trip Assure offers insurance for our overnight trips. Trip Assure provides plans with benefits to protect the cost of your travel arrangements; your belongings; and most importantly, you, in case your trip gets disrupted. Please see the following link for more information: Trip Insurance with Trip Assure
What makes this trip different from other Big South Fork hikes?
This expedition combines scenic hiking with cultural and historical immersion. From the preserved village of Rugby to the remote setting of Charit Creek Lodge and the historic Blue Heron mining community, the trip offers a deeper connection to the region than a standard hiking itinerary.
Do I need backpacking experience for this trip?
No. This trip is designed as a lodge-based experience, meaning we return to the same lodging each night. All hiking is done with light daypacks, making it accessible to guests who may be new to multi-day outdoor adventures.
What should I bring on the day hikes?
Participants typically carry a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, extra layers, and personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided before the trip.
Are there opportunities to swim?
Yes. Depending on conditions, there are opportunities to visit natural swimming holes along rivers and creeks during the trip, including areas near Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole.
Will we have access to showers and electricity at the lodge?
The lodge is intentionally rustic. Facilities are simple, and lighting is often by lantern. This is part of the experience — stepping back into a slower, quieter way of life in the backcountry. There is shower access.
What is Charit Creek Lodge like?
Charit Creek Lodge is a historic backcountry lodge accessible only by foot or horseback. Guests stay in rustic cabins and enjoy family-style meals, lantern-lit evenings, and a quiet setting deep within the park. It’s one of the most unique lodging experiences in the Southeast.
How difficult is the hike into Charit Creek Lodge?
The hike into the lodge is approximately 1–1.5 miles on a well-established trail. While relatively short, it does include some uneven terrain and elevation change. Participants typically carry 20–25 pounds for this portion.
Join the Expedition
Big South Fork: Lodge-Based Hiking Expedition
Hike to waterfalls and stone arches.
Step into the past at historic lodges.
Explore the wild and storied Cumberland Plateau.