Twin Arches Loop Trail
While sandstone arches are a more common sight in the American West, they can also be found in a few places further east. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area contains what might be the densest concentration of these unique geological features east of the Mississippi River, and the Twin Arches may be the largest in the eastern United States. Regardless of their status, these majestic formations are worth seeing!
To get to the Twin Arches Loop Trail, you'll need to first follow the Twin Arches Trail from the parking area for a little more than half a mile. Once you're at the loop, take a clockwise route for a descending path and to reach the arches more quickly. Along the route to the arches, you'll pass through thick forests where you can spot many different species of birds as well as additional rock faces. You'll be struck with awe when you reach the South Arch and look up at this towering cathedral of stone that soars over a hundred feet above you.
As you continue clockwise on the trail, you'll come to the Charit Creek Lodge. At this beautiful complex of authentic log cabins, rustic lodging is available in simple shared rooms with no electricity. You can also purchase a delicious meal, refill your water bottle, and use the bathroom here. Dogs can stay with you for an additional $5 fee. Even though you can easily complete the entire trail in less than a day, it's worth it to plan an overnight stay if you're needing a place to get away from it all and unplug—literally as well as figuratively!
Near the lodge, you'll see lots of wildflowers in the spring. As you continue clockwise along the trail, you'll pass through a hemlock forest and come to "Jake's Place," where a chimney marks the spot an early settler built his home. Boardwalks have been built so you don't have to walk on the parts of the ground that are always wet here.
By the time you reach the end of your hike, your ears will be humming with birdsong and memories of all the amazing sights you and your best friend got to see together.
