2012 January 17 « HughHarris

Hiking Trip to Charit Creek Lodge in Big South Fork

Just returned from one of 5 “Hike In” lodges in the US – Charit Creek Lodge in the Big South Fork Natl, Forest. There is no electricity at the lodge & no cell service. Perfect. The “lodge” is a combination hostel & group cabins with the Honeymoon “Corn Crib” Cabin with the only single unit for those special get away trips for couples.

Larry McMillan and the crew serve up a great meat n three that hits the spot if you have been out hiking the trails. We had green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, pork loins steaks, fresh baked bread, & cherry cobbler in the oil lantern lit dinning hall. The next morning we had the classic country breakfast of eggs, sausage, & freshly baked rolls. Check out their website http://www.charitcreeklodge.com/.

The cabins have wood burning stoves, double bunk beds, & gas lantern lighting. Linens are provided but if you are there during the winter months a sleeping bag is nice to have. Charit has horseback riding available there at the lodge for those who want to ride the many trails in the Big South Fork.

We took at quick trip to the Twin Arches on Saturday afternoon after we hiked in the short .8 mile trail in to the lodge. The Arches are a really beautiful setting and are only a 2.2 mile round trip from the Lodge.

On Saturday we tool a long 11.3 mile hike on the Hatfield Ridge Loop that included the Overlook point & our second encounter with a nice sized black bear. Picture on the left.

Don’t miss out on this gem of a lodge only 2.5 hours from Franklin.