Trail 15: Bandy Creek Campground
Overview
A welcoming, gentle introduction to the Big South Fork. This hike pairs best with a stay at the campground or if you’re hiking the nearby Angel Falls Trail or the Fall Branch Falls trails. This happens to be the flattest trail in the book. While short, it’s almost entirely on a dirt path, making it a great hike for toddlers or little kids – or parents carrying babies in a carrier.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 45 minutes - 1 hour, 15 minutes %Just thought – might want to check if you do time like this, or if you abbreviate 1.25. Just want to keep it uniform% |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 1.3 |
| Elevation Change | Flat |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Toddlers and Little kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Bandy Creek Visitors Center, 151 Stable Rd, Oneida, TN 37841
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.49062, -84.69777
The dominant rock on the Cumberland Plateau is sandstone—a relatively soft rock that erosion has easily sculpted. Over time, its wearing has carved cliffs, deep river valleys, and arches that characterize the Cumberland Plateau.
The trailhead address will navigate you to the nearby Visitors Center (worth a visit when open (9:00 am - 5:00 pm year-round!). From the Visitors Center, look for the signs for the Bandy Creek Loop to begin the hike.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start on the Bandy Loop Trail. Wind gradually toward the horse stables. |
| 0.15 | Pass the horse stables on the right. There’s an easy connector trail to them near the end of the loop. |
| 1.15 | Connector trail to the horse stables. |
| 1.3 | Return to the parking area and trailhead. |
Nearby
- Enjoy a visit at the horse stables. Kids will likely love the nearby stables that often house many horses – most from guests at the campground who will ride the nearby horse-friendly trails. The nearby Bandy Creek Loop trail is also a good, short hike for young kiddos.
- Camp at Bandy Creek. This is a large, modern, scenic campground, very much worth a visit, though it is off-the-radar of many. You can almost always find a spot here—even on holiday weekends.
- Hike the Fall Branch Falls or Angel Falls trails. See those chapters for more details.