Honey Creek Loop meanders its way through Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, coming in at almost six hiking miles. This gorgeous trail is not for the faint of heart, though. You'll be traversing rugged terrain and thickly forested undergrowth with limited signs and direction, so prepare yourself for this beast of an adventure. This is where you can come to be truly one with nature, where you can enjoy the beauty of Tennessee's green underbelly, beyond the lights of our iconic cities.
Located near Allardt, the Honey Creek Loop Trail is actually 5.7 miles, and is a lightly trafficked area that will immerse you in the stunning heart of Tennessee's remote wilderness.
You'll gain almost 1,500 feet in elevation, and the trail runs in a loop - something you've probably figured out by now. It's great for backpackers, campers, or waterfall seekers.
You can even bring your dog! Keep 'em on a leash, though...there's no one to send out to search if they make their way through the brush. The trail is also considered very difficult, so make sure you're watching your own step!
It's the beautiful views and waterfalls along Honey Creek Loop that keep folks coming back again and again.
There are multiple campsites along the trail, but you'll probably want to complete the loop in one go. You'll encounter a number of boulder crawls along the way, and they're difficult to overcome with backpacks.
There are a lot of steep climbs, so come prepared! Although difficult, quite a few locals claim that ol' Honey Loop is their favorite pathway to traverse during the warmer months.
Make sure to visit between March and November! That's when you'll see the greenery at its peak foliage and encounter the best weather.
You can visit for yourself within the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, located at 4564 Leatherwood Road, in Oneida, Tennessee. Have fun storming the castle!
Have you ever hiked this challenging (but totally worth it) trail? Tell us all about it in the comments. If you're looking for a hike that's a little less strenuous, check out these hiking trails that are all three miles or less.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!