Big South Fork Suggestions

**Rocket** · 04-17-2019, 17:21

Hello! I'm looking to spend 2-3 days hiking in Big South Fork (not sure which side yet) since RRG is becoming overcrowded. I like to backcountry hang, and can do 10-15 moderately strenuous miles per day, and would ideally like to do about 30 miles in 2-3 segments.

I found this list of what looks like some really great loops:
https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvis...ing-trails.htm

Can anyone make suggestions based on their experience? I'd also love recommendations for low-key primitive campsites -- Are any of these any good?
http://www.midlife-hikers.com/back-c...-back-country/

Thanks in advance! I've had some really great hikes based on suggestions from HammockForums.

**Rain Man** · 04-17-2019, 17:41

Compared to mountain hiking, there are no (or few) "moderately strenuous" miles in the BSF as it's pretty much flat plateau hiking except where trails go down into shallow "gorges" where the streams carved into the plateau over eons. Elevation change might be 500' here and there and that rarely steep. Not that the miles are all easy-peasy, just that I would not use the word "strenuous" unless it's for number of miles someone chooses to hike.

I've hiked most or parts of all those loops listed on that NPS-linked page. Hard to go wrong on any of them. You will need a permit but then can camp pretty much anywhere along the trails or "cross country" if you prefer. There are bears and wild hogs, so keep that in mind.

If you have specific questions, feel free to post or PM me. I'll answer if I can.

I remember a campsite near the Angel Falls Overlook. You know, if you like beautiful views 500' over a big river and absolutely no light pollution to spoil the Milky Way in the night sky.

**jeff-oh** · 04-17-2019, 18:18

Here is a 17ish mile trail I did in February. Park at Bandy Creek Campground. 6 miles in, base camp. 6 mile Grand Loop. 6 miles out. Could mix the in and out up a bit or not basecamp and do a bigger loop. There are way points for various camps. The start stop and squiggles in the middle is where we base camped. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/re...grand-gap-loop

**Rocket** · 04-17-2019, 19:12

Y'all're the best!

**jeff-oh** · 04-17-2019, 21:09

A great tool to plan your trip is CalTopo. looks like all the BSF trails are there. Easy to "add Object-Line" and the program will trace the trail and give you mileage and elevations. https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=36.4...419&z=14&b=mbt