We set in at Thompson Trail head and proceeded up tail 206 towards White Oak Branch where we crossed. Very shortly after the cross we headed East through Whiteoak Hollow on the Outlaw trail. The beginning of the Outlaw trail was easy to find in the spring but I hear its hard to locate during the Summer due to growth. It heads to the left just after you cross Whiteoak Creek as the trail moves off to the right. At the second draw the trail heads uphill and after a good pull you get to the top of the ridge and are presented with a fire road. Take a left and within 50 feet if that you will notice the trail head back down on the far side. This is a nice little decent and eventually you will be faced with impressive bluff walls and some scrambling down rock falls. After you get to flatter land you will cross a stram which is downstream from West Bee Branch Falls. Cross it and head to the left around the ridgeline. Shortly you will come to cross Bee Branch which is downstream from East Bee Branch and the Big Tree. After crossing Bee Branch you connect with 204a and then its a short hike through the valley towards the falls and the tree. 204a is not maintained even though its on the map however its in the best shape thats its been in since the tornado outbreak several years ago.
After a nights camp nearby the tree we headed out the next day but because of an injury we didnt want to face a scramble going out the way we came so we hoofed it out of the canyon on 204a, linked up to 204 to 224 to 208 back to Thompson. The hike out was longer but way less technical.
Check out our trip! http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2705298
Have fun and be safe!
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