Big South Fork

Hike from Leatherwood Ford to O&W Railroad Bridge: The O&W trail starts at the Leatherwood Ford bridge and goes 2.3 miles to the O&W Railroad Bridge. The total hike is 4.6 miles. The NPS rates the trail as moderate with an elevation gain of only 100 feet. The Oneida & Western Railroad bridge was erected in 1915 and abandoned in 1954. This bridge was once used on another railroad. The bridge is a Whipple Truss design manufactured between 1847 and 1900 and very few Whipple Truss bridges survive today.

We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other appropriate clothing, a snack, something to drink and a camera.

Because of the Covid-19 restrictions there will be no carpooling and you should bring a face mask to wear when you are unable to maintain a 6 foot social distance. Also, Effective February 2, 2021, the NPS issued a statement about mask wearing, “Face masks are now required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes”.

We will leave from the Bandy Creek, E-1 Loop pavilion at 9:30 am. If you want to meet at the trailhead be there by 9:45 am