Upcoming Natural Areas Hike at Twin Arches Slated for July 31

This hike will feature the endangered Cumberland sandwort and other rock-shelter species. Hikers will take the 1.4-mile loop trail that goes around the arches and also hike a short “out and back” portion of the Twin Arches Loop Trail that goes in and out of several rock shelters for another 1.4 miles. With a total of 2.8 miles, this hike is rated moderate. 

 

These arches form the largest natural bridge complex known in Tennessee and also represent one of the world's largest. The two sandstone arches are situated end-to-end, and are commonly referred to as the North and South Arches. The tops of the arches support vegetation adapted to dry conditions and include a mixed pine/oak/heath community – a fragile, moss-lichen community and sandstone barrens scattered along the top of the gorge bluffs that support populations of needlegrass, little bluestem, and blazing star.

 

In the protected environment of some rock shelters and growing in sand, are a number of rare species, such as Cumberland sandwort and Lucy Braun's white snakeroot. Only a few other plant species regularly grow in these habitats. Division Botanists David Lincicome and Andrea Bishop will serve as hike leaders. 

 

Space is limited to 20 hikers and reservations and reliable contact information are required. To reserve a space on the hike, please commit or cancel by July 28 by contacting Andrea Bishop at (615) 741-9141 work, (615) 804-7999 cell or andrea.bishop@.tn.gov. If inclement weather is forecasted, the hike will be canceled. 

 

Twin Arches State Natural Area is approximately 1,500 acres located in parts of Fentress, Scott and Pickett counties and contains two impressive geological formations known as the Twin Arches. The South Arch is the tallest at 103 feet. The North Arch is 62 feet high with a clearance of 51 feet and a span of 93 feet. Twin Arches is one of two designated State Natural Areas in the Big South Fork Recreation Area that are managed by the National Park Service.

 

The Twin Arches Trail Hike is part of a series of monthly, guided trips to Tennessee State Natural Areas or other recreation areas offered by the department’s Resource Management Division. Tennessee has 80 designated natural areas throughout the state, covering approximately 116,000 acres of ecologically significant lands. More information about Tennessee’s natural areas program, including a complete list of all natural areas and scheduled field trips, can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/na/.