Buffalo Arch Directions

 North Trailhead Driving Directions : 

From the intersection of Hwy 167 in Kentucky with Parker Mountain Road (#564) 

Turn onto Parker Mountain Road and drive about 1/2 mile to the first place on the RIGHT where you can pull off.  It is obvious, but unsigned.   This is the northern end of Parker Mountain Trail.

It is the short route to Buffalo Arch.  

Short Hike Directions  approx. 0.25 miles one way easy

Park at the pull off and begin hiking past the metal bar/gate.   

The trail #634A splits off and goes south while Parker's Mountain Trail continues in an eastward direction. 

Follow the obvious, well maintained path out the ridge. You will pass a pond on the left.

At the end of the ridge you will begin to descend toward the arch.  It will come into view. It is about 80' x 20' in size.   

Buffalo Arch on Tennessee Landforms 

South Trailhead Driving Directions 

Drive about 8 miles out Parker Mountain Road heading east to a RIGHT turn onto  FR 137 

Rock Creek/Bell Farm Road. It is signed for Hemlock Grove Picnic Area/Great Meadows Campground.   Drive nearly 7 miles out Rock Creek/Bell Farm Road passing Hemlock Grove Picnic Area and next Great Meadows Campground to arrive at the south trailhead for Buffalo Arch.

Long Hike Directions

To hike to Buffalo Arch this way is a lot longer  coming in at 5.5 miles Round trip as opposed to 1/2 mile round trip from the North trailhead.  I have not hiked it from this direction.

Hike Parker Mountain Trail #634 for 2.5 miles to a LEFT turn onto #634A for Buffalo Arch.

Hike an additional 0.25 miles out the ridge and begin to descend to the arch which at 80 ft by 20 ft is hard to miss.  

Below is a photo of Buffalo Arch 

Here is a link to the Big South Fork's official info page with a map of the trails to reach it.

And lastly below is a video of the arch showing what it is like better than a photo.  Helps you decide if this is one you want to visit or not.