PHOTOS OF
THE BIG SOUTH FORK
The national historic John Muir Trail extends
42 miles north from the Leatherwood Ford Trailhead and commemorates Muir's
1867 journey through this area, explorations of the Cumberlands which predated
his more famous exploits in the Sierras. The first few miles are near river
level, but the trail eventually climbs to the plateau, from which views
of the Big South Fork like this become routine.
Side canyon creeks supply drinking water and add to the
scenic charm of the area. The larger side creeks have bridges to carry hikers
over them. Carefully check out the map and trail info, though, because some
trails are multi-use, allowing horses and/or mountain bikes also. The Muir
Trail is hiker-only.
We did a 30 mile loop starting at Leatherwood Ford Trailhead,
north on the Muir Trail , around the Grand Gap Trail from which scenic overlooks
predominate, north again on the Muir to the junction of Station Camp Creek
and Laurel Fork Creek, then up Laurel Fork Creek Trail to the Black House/Jack's
Ridge/Katie Trails to Bandy Creek Campground, from which it is 3 miles back
to the Leatherwood Ford Trailhead. The Muir Trail is fairly easy, with occasional
uphills like above. The Laurel Fork Trail travels up and down ridges as
it travels alongside and above the creek, but is only rated as moderate
in difficulty. The connector trails (Black House/Jack's/Katie) are pretty
much uphill but also rated as moderate.
The Laurel Fork Trail runs 4+ miles from Station Camp
Creek to the Black House Trail intersection and traverses beautiful terrain
with frequent ups and downs. Here Len fords the first of 3 crossings as
you approach Black House Trail. Beyond this turnoff, you have to ford the
creek 11 more times within 2 miles! The fords ranged from above-ankle depth
to knee depth, but check at the ranger station before doing this trail for
the current depth/danger of the creek.