Weekend Gem: Yahoo and Lick Creek Loop

Over the last couple of weeks, I have gone on two new trips in Big South Fork and the area really grows on you. A far cry from the crowded, and now really snowy, Smoky Mountains that seem to get all of the attention here in East Tennessee. There are several things that BSF possesses that the Smokies don’t, one is the cool rock ledges and houses that are more prominent in the limestone shell of this part of Appalachia. Not to mention cheaper camping fees, ability to camp wherever and solitude with a capital S. I took this loop from their website but added on the Lick Creek TR. which adds another 3 miles round trip to the loop. I’m glad I did because this trail is rad and has two nice falls, soaring cliffs in a tight rugged valley. With the short 2 mile detour to Lick Creek Falls and Makers Arch, it brings this trip to around 21 miles total. Keep in mind, that the terrain here is less daunting than other local wilderness areas around and the miles fly by as you traverse this lovely area.

Start off at the Trailhead, that is literally in Whitley City. Keeping on a old road for a mile, you drop down some old metal stairs that deliver you to a awesome rock house that you walk through. Next, keep on this well marked trail as it descends to the creek proper. In a another mile or so, take the split on the left up to glorious Lick Creek Falls, which is a relatively flat .5 mile in. Enjoy the Falls for all their splendor before heading back and taking the split down to the Sheltowee TR. which makes you back to the Creek Trail you were following before. In less than a mile, you come to Princess Falls in a scenic cove along Lick Creek. Keep on hiking to the Sheltowee TR. and make a right to to the Alum TR. and take this section past huge boulders creekside for another mile and a half to the intersection. Make that right heading to Yahoo Falls on the Alum Trail. This Trail immediately climbs above the creek and stays that way for the first 1.5 miles. When you cross a small, sandy springs, find a great campsite perched on a corner of  rounded ridge and make yourself at home.

Cliffs above Lick Creek

An interesting spot to grow

Lick Creek Falls

Busy beavers!

Princess Falls

After a cozy night in this quiet forest, wake up refreshed and ready to greet the day. After the packs are packed, drop off the ridge end and back down to the creek. Soon you begin to start climbing up to the road and enter into a small clearing with electric wires. Climb up the stairs carved right into the rock to RD 700. The trail continues a stones throw to the right and enters the forest again, .5 miles from the side trail to Makers Arch. The side trail is flat and then dips down steadily to the Arch, leave your pack here. After getting your fill of this distinct sight, continue on to Yahoo Arch in a cave like area with soaring rock houses and cliffs. In another hop, skip and a jump you will be at Yahoo Falls. It is the largest in Kentucky and has a huge lip sticking over grand boulders where many a day hiker has found a private spot to enjoy a snack or beer. This area was used by the Cherokees 9,000 years ago and was held in high regard among this noble tribe. This area has a strange mix of trails with various non distinct color blazes. Take the trail that follows the creek dropping off the Arch to the right and not the one that goes back to the day use area. Soon you will run into the Sheltowee again, make that left and drop down again to the Big South Fork. Meandering above the River, you cross along a road by a boat landing and “primitive” camp in nice a hardwood forest. Soaking in the sun for a spell, you get back to the intersection for Alum TR. again where a nice camp sits above the River. Settle in with a nip of whiskey and a nice dinner before turning in for the night.

Makers Arch

Yahoo Arch

A curious window in Yahoo

Lots of cool cliffs to explore!

Yahoo Falls

Weird face in a tree

So this is the trail huh?

Scull looking pattern in rock face

River camp from below. Living the good life…

Get up and make some coffee after a chilly night that makes way for a spot of sun. Retrace your path back along the River passing by some nice big boulders and some pretty rugged cascades as this waterway plows it’s way through the soft stone of the area. Make that left at Lick Creek Trail again and make your way back to your car. Enjoy the nice drive home as the storm clouds start pilling in from the north. Have a beer and a great dinner as the memories of this fine landscape play inside your head.