TRAIL RIDING: BIG SOUTH FORK NATIONAL RIVER & RECREATION AREA, TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY |
Trail Riding at Big South Fork Historic Charit Creek Lodge, built in 1817, located deep in Big South Fork Country, is accessible only by horseback, foot, or mountain bike. The lodge was built where Charit Creek meets Station Camp Creek and rests in a beautiful valley pasture surrounded by magnificent bluffs. Hatfield Ridge Trail connects to Charit Creek Overlook, which is a great place to picnic and enjoy the scenery. There are hitching posts for horses and a huge rock to sit on and enjoy the scenery for lunch. The rivers and streams have been a major force in creating the dramatic canyon-like landscape of the area today. As the streams have cut downward into the sandstone, which caps the plateau, they have carved out gorges and canyons, leaving behind cliffs, natural arches, rock shelters, and waterfalls. Elevations are not extreme, but do change suddenly. They range from 1800 feet along the highest ridge tops to 800 feet along the river. The park service has several horse camps to camp which are spread out across the park. Trails Around the The trails in the Big South Fork (BSF) are becoming known throughout the equine world and are undoubtedly some of the best trails in the Southeast….some would say in the nation. There is a lot happening in the region — too much to mention in this space; however, here are a few highlights to keep you informed. We hope that if you have never visited our beautiful area, that you will come and visit soon. If you have already been to ride, camp, or just relax, be sure to come again for a weekend or week. It is a great time to buy your dream home and enjoy equestrian living at its best. East Fork Stables, the granddaddy of the equine trails in the BSF region, has added several themed events to keep riders entertained after exploring their over 100 miles of well-marked and maintained trails. The Mardi Gras, Luau, Kentucky Derby and Oktoberfest Rides are just a few to keep cowboys and cowgirls coming back. Spruce Creek Stables is the newest campground in the area featuring 9 campsites with full hook-up and horse stalls plus direct access to many trails. Mike Archambault and his mom, JoAnn Roberts, have taken their love of horses and God’s creation and are reaching out to children who need guidance, direction, and hope with their New Beginnings Youth Ranch centered on an equestrian lifestyle. They let their light shine on these children as they guide them through their equestrian ministry, teaching the children through the animals they care for. They are making a difference in the BSF. (Donations are much appreciated if you would like to help.) Cedar Creek Cattle Company offers an expansive trail system and excellent facilities, as well as, horse rentals, guided trips, and they even have some camp sites for your overnight adventure. Saddle Valley Campground continues to offer camp sites, cabins, stables, and corrals with guided horse rentals. They also have several guided weekend and themed trail rides to keep the experienced rider engaged. See Melissa Hardwick Carter’s story about a ride she experienced with her friends. It’s on page 50. Local cowboy, Larry McMillan continues to bring in folks from around the country to Southeast Pack Trips due to the quality of his guiding services and his good nature. Larry is what you would expect from a true cowboy and his guided trips are great fun. Larry offers guided tours, rentals, and overnight trips upon request. Two very unique places to board your horses and overnight in some quality cabins are Loree Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast and Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat. Loree Guest Ranch is an amazing facility featuring the equestrian lifestyle filled with all the comforts of a luxury accommodation. Spacious rooms, spectacular furnishings, guest pool, amazing overlooks, horse stalls, and a covered arena for your horses — when you are not riding the truly spectacular trails. Laurel Fork Rustic Retreat offers luxurious yet, rustic cabins located in the heart of the BSF and only minutes from the trailheads to the BSF. Kicking Back Cabin, Longhorn Ranch, and Blair Creek Stables also offer access to trails from their luxury cabins and campground. If you are looking for a place to retire or a second home, Tennessee Recreational Properties, The Highlands at Big South Fork, Rockcastle Farms, Honey Creek Trails and others represented by local real estate agents and property developers offer fine equestrian communities in the heart of Big South Fork country, as well as, other great places to build your dream. If you need a place to board your horse or take riding lessons, Airpark Equestrian Stables has just the facility for you with direct access to the trails at Big South Fork. If you are in the market for a fine horse, Saddle Brook Stables has an excellent selection. They offer some of the best gaited, well built, and excellent colored horses on the market. One of the newest destinations on the Cumberland Plateau area is the expansive, quality Long Branch Lakes, offering a gated equestrian community with over 75 miles of trails (60 at Bledsoe State Park) from their equestrian center. They too offer guided tours, trail rides, and clinics, plus wonderful equestrian living. There is a lot to see and experience in the BSF so come on over and take a look! Trail Tales (Hosted by Saddle Valley Campground) by Melissa Hardwick Carter Saddle up and enjoy the beauty of the Big South Fork in all of its glory! That is exactly what cowboys and cowgirls from Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Georgia did this October as they embarked on a guided 4-day, 80-mile trail ride through the Big South Fork. Leadership by Saddle Valley Campground owner Ed Elam, legendary trail guide Paul King, and Bob Roberson, a horse trainer from Pikeville, TN, made this ride smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. Riding through the majestic Big South Fork at the peak of the change of leaves on your favorite horse with old friends as well as many new ones…what could be better? How about - crossing breathtaking rivers and creeks on horseback, sitting by a camp fire and listening to cowboys stretch the truth and recall old jokes. Add a hot meal at the end of the day, pitching your tent by the river under a full moon and waking to a hot breakfast and coffee each morning and you gain a glimpse into the unforgettable experience twenty-three trail riders shared this fall. Eager and excited, the riders left Saddle Valley in Jamestown, Tennessee early on Friday, October 10th. Many of the out of town visitors had arrived early the day before to get settled and acquainted while enjoying clean, comfortable facilities provided by Ed and Teresa Elam and family. The first morning was cool and clear. The horses seemed to feel the same energy and anticipation as the riders. From Saddle Valley, the group rode to Charit Creek Hostel and on to Station Camp East where lunch was catered by Lindsey Cobb. Howard Duncan, an Interpretive Ranger with the NPS, met the group at Charit Creek in traditional dress and gave the history of the settlers and long hunters from the area. The second half of the day riders rode north along the river to Big Island and passed into Kentucky as they traveled on to Millers’ Branch Crossing and Laurel Ridge Trail. Riders spent the night at Owens’ Place after enjoying a hot dinner of chicken & rice, cornbread, and peach cobbler. The second day, the group left Owens’ Place and arrived in Blue Heron Mining Camp in Kentucky for lunch and an interpretive program. The day ended at Bear Creek Horse Camp where riders enjoyed a hot shower, stalls for their horses, Ed’s pulled pork BBQ with beans, cornbread, and Teresa’s chocolate chip cookies. After all bellies were full, the group sat back and soaked by a warm campfire and listened to a fabulous interpretive program on local history and gun smithing by Ernie Smart of Possum Trot, Tennessee and Sam Perry of McCreary County, Kentucky. This ride was an experience that this cowgirl won’t soon forget. The best trails in the country, magnificent scenery and overlooks, good companions, and excellent planning and organization made this an enjoyable and memorable ride. We all look forward to riding The Big South Fork in the Spring. If you would like to join us, call Ed or Teresa Elam for information on upcoming events at 931-879-6262 or visit their website at www.saddlevalleycampground.com. Happy Trails! |
Big South Fork Country is known across the nation as the
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