Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, TN
ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society
Please visit the new page to apply.

Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.
Project Specifics:
Explore the highest arches east of the Mississippi River at one of the most popular destinations in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area! With scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is rich with natural, historic and cultural features.
The park is on the world famous Cumberland Plateau with 125,000 acres of beautiful overlooks, a free-flowing river, abundant wildlife and during the spring boasts beautiful fauna. The Twin Arches trail goes over one of the arches and provides a scenic view of the valley below.
The Twin Arches are one of the most visited areas in the park and this trail also leads to Charit Creek Lodge, an active lodge that was built in the 1830’s.
Volunteers will repair tread, build water bars, boardwalks, remove vegetation and repair and replace ladders. Work will use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, handsaws, hand drills and hammers. Volunteers will drive or carpool to the trailhead. Hiking will be required from the trailhead to the area of work. The trail is steep in most areas and will require sturdy shoes. The hike will vary from 1-2 miles daily.
Hiking/Access
Volunteers will be driven or carpool to the trailhead parking lot and walk approximately 1 mile to the worksite. The terrain is steep and rocky so sturdy shoes are highly recommended.
Area and Attractions
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is home to hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing, fishing, hunting, ranger led hikes and programs. Pickett State Park and Daniel Boone National Forest are in close proximity. The Daniel Boone National Forest offers numerous recreational activities and magnificent scenery. Pickett State Park has a lake with canoe rentals for paddling and/or fishing. Visit the Blue Heron Mining Community, a coal mining town once owned by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. Enjoy a train ride with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway from Stearns into Blue Heron.
Accommodations Description
Volunteers will stay at a group campground with a bathhouse close by that includes hot showers and toilets, a screened-in pavilion, picnic tables, water, fireplace and grill. Volunteers will need to bring their personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries. The accommodations are a few yards away from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.
Trip Cost: $425 per person
Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/big-south-fork-national-river-recreation-area-tn-volunteer-vacations-2025/
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About American Hiking Society
Location:
8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US
Mission Statement
As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.
Description
Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.
Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!
Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.
Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.
Get Out. Give Back.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
151 Stable RoadOneida, TN 37841
DATE POSTED
January 22, 2025
SKILLS
- Outdoor Recreation
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
N/A