Slave Falls and Needle Arch

A Waterfall, a Cave, and an Arch — All in One Hike

Slave Falls is one of the most rewarding and accessible waterfalls in all of Big South Fork, and when you pair it with the nearby Needle Arch, you’ve got one of the best short hikes in Fentress County. The out-and-back trail from the Sawmill Trailhead is just 3.2 miles round-trip, making it very manageable for most hikers including families with older kids.

The Waterfall

Slave Falls is a 60-foot waterfall that pours over the lip of a massive rock shelter — one of the largest in the entire Big South Fork area. The shelter itself is cavernous, with a wide overhang of stone that creates a dramatic natural amphitheater. Standing at the base of the falls, you can look up and see water arcing out over the rock rim above and cascading down to the mossy floor below. It’s one of those places that feels ancient and sacred.

Note that the falls may be reduced or absent in late summer and early fall during dry spells. Visit after a rain for the most dramatic flow.

Needle Arch

Just a short 0.25-mile detour from Slave Falls on the Slave Falls-Charit Creek Connector trail brings you to Needle Arch — a long, impossibly thin ribbon of sandstone stretching between two cliff faces. Unlike the massive Twin Arches, Needle Arch has an almost delicate appearance, which makes it fascinating in its own right. It’s easy to walk under and photograph from multiple angles.

The Trail

Start at the Sawmill Trailhead on Fork Ridge Road (off Divide Road, accessed from Hwy 154 north of Jamestown). The trail is well-signed and follows a gentle grade through beautiful hardwood forest before dropping down to the falls. No significant elevation change — just a peaceful walk through some of the finest forest on the Cumberland Plateau.