Big South Fork?

[Joshua Szulecki]

Hey folks,

I know what is out there, but can somebody recommend a book and trail map they like for Big South Fork NRRA?

I was out there yesterday, and it was TOTALLY worth the 3-hour drive from Nashville. Definately in the Hemlock Zone, and they look pretty healthy in comparison to GSMNP. Also saw big leaf, rhodies, tons of trailing arbutus (or at least, I'm 99% sure), rattlesnake plantain, and some interesting lichen.

Also, would anybody be interested in a little hiking up there in the future?

[Bearpaw]

Trails Illustrated/National Geographic makes a very good overview map for Big South.  OutTaGIS makes an excellent trail map for those looking to hike the John Muir Trail or Sheltowee Trace in the NRA.

[Joshua Szulecki]

OutTaGIS makes an excellent trail map for those looking to hike the John Muir Trail or Sheltowee Trace in the NRA.

Do you have a link? Google apparently doesn't know anything about OutTaGIS.

[Bearpaw]

Do you have a link? Google apparently doesn't know anything about OutTaGIS.

Sorry, I butchered the spelling.  It's OutrageGIS.com .  They have MANY excellent up-to-date GPS'ed maps for southeastern trails.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Thanks! Those look great!

[Ewker]

best book on the Big South Fork is this one. The book has all of the JMT and some of the Sheltowee Trace on it

http://www.amazon.com/Hik...enda-Deaver/dp/1572330317

I 2nd the maps BSF map  from Outragegis   http://www.outragegis.com/store/home.php?cat=5

[Baro]

If you're exploring Big South Fork, make sure you check out Twin Arches. They are beautiful! You may also want to reserve a lunch at Charit Creek Hostel (which is one mile away). It's both rustic and unique and for somewhere around $8 you can eat hot barbeque in the middle of the woods. It's run by the same company as Leconte Lodge on Mt. Leconte in the Smokys and Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge.