Big South Fork NRRA: Bandy Creek Campground Loop (Blog Hike #171)

Trail: Bandy Creek Campground Loop

Hike Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Geographic Location: west of Oneida, TN (36.48992, -84.70207)

Length: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)

Dates Hiked: February 2005, May 2015

Overview: An easy walk on gravel trail skirting the facilities at Bandy Creek.
Area Information: http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/tntrails.htm

Hike Route Map: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=188119
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: From Oneida, head west on SR 297 and pass through the gorge of the Big South Fork.  Immediately after ascending the west bank of the gorge, turn right on the marked park road for the Bandy Creek Visitor Center and Campground.  In 2 miles, you will reach the Visitor Center on your left and the campground entrance on your right.  Continue another 0.2 miles to the paved trailhead parking lot on your left (just before the road turns to gravel).  Park in this lot.

The hike: For my general comments on Big South Fork, see the previous hike.  This trail is suitable for people that just desire a short, easy walk in the woods or for those that are not physically able to hike some of the longer trails at Big South Fork.  In addition, this trail gives you a good introduction to the facilities in the Bandy Creek developed area of Big South Fork.

Trailhead for campground loop

            Begin at the signboard and follow the gravel trail that departs to the left.  The trail crosses a wet area on a wooden footbridge and, in 0.3 miles, comes out at the paved trail that leads to the amphitheater, which can be seen downhill to the right.  This campground amphitheater is used for shows and musical performances for campers on summer nights.  The direction the trail takes at the blacktop trail is not obvious, but if you look uphill to the left, you will see another red arrowhead that marks this trail.

Hiking south toward amphitheater

            The trail now passes over the dam of a small pond that contains a few turtles sunning themselves on logs.  At the far side of the dam, the trail takes a sharp right turn and reenters the woods.  At 0.5 miles, look to the left to see Bandy Creek Stables.  This private business offers daily trail rides on horses, and you will soon cross the trail they use to access the Big South Fork bridle trail system.

The trail soon begins turning to the left as it rounds the southern end of the developed area.  Numerous pine trees that had been infected with the Southern Pine Beetle have been cut down in this area to prevent them from falling over the trail on a windy day.  Swarms of termites enjoying the fresh supply of wood greeted me as I walked this section of trail on a warm sunny spring morning.  At 1 mile, look to the right for a view east toward the nearby gorge during the leafless months.  There are no overlooks on this trail, but this view gives you a more distant view unlike those you will find on the gorge rim.

Hiking near the Visitor Center

            Now heading north, the trail skirts a couple of ravines before, at 1.3 miles, ending at the Visitor Center.  Take a few moments to browse the center for books or other collectibles from the area.  When you are done browsing, either walk along the side of Bandy Creek Road or, weather permitting, cut across the grassy area to return to the trailhead and complete the hike.