Honey Creek Loop

The Most Spectacular Hike in Big South Fork

If you ask experienced hikers in the Big South Fork area which trail they recommend above all others, the Honey Creek Loop comes up again and again. This 5.5-mile loop in the southern section of Big South Fork is widely considered the most challenging and most rewarding day hike in the entire park — a relentless parade of waterfalls, rock shelters, slot canyons, caves, massive boulders, and waterfalls inside caves that will leave you speechless.

Fair warning: this is not an easy hike. The trail involves multiple creek crossings (you will get your feet wet — pack extra socks), scrambling over and under massive boulders, and navigating through some tight passages. There is no well-maintained, obvious path through sections of the route — you’ll need to pay attention, use your hands, and trust your footing. That’s what makes it unforgettable.

What You’ll See

The Honey Creek drainage is a geological treasure chest. The hike winds through a narrow, creek-carved gorge that’s packed with natural features. You’ll explore rock shelters large enough to camp inside, waterfalls that pour into cave openings, narrow passages between boulders the size of houses, and stretches of mossy creekside forest that look like something from a fairy tale. One section features a waterfall falling directly into a cave — you have to hike through it to continue the trail.

Practical Notes

The Honey Creek Loop is accessed from the Honey Creek Road trailhead near Robbins, Tennessee. It is recommended for experienced hikers only. Children should be comfortable with scrambling and uncertain terrain. Download an offline map before you go — cell service is nonexistent. Bring a headlamp even on day hikes, as some of the passages through rock formations can be quite dark. Allow 4–6 hours for the full loop.