Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is comprised of 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau and protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The park is home to miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, boasts not only diverse natural and historic features, but also a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Reed E. DetringPhone Number: Kentucky: 606-376-5073; Tenness
Entrance Fees: Bandy Creek Campground: Sites with hook-ups (loop B,C,D) $22.00, Sites without hook-ups (loop A) $19.00, Group Campsites: (loop E) $75.00 minimum or $3.00/person; Blue Heron Campground: Sites with hook-ups $17.00; Alum Ford Campground: All sites $5.00
Sights: Cumberland River
Endangered Species: Cumberlandian Combshell Mussel; Cumberland Elktoe; Tan Riffle Shell; Little-wing Pearly Mussel; Cumberland Bean Pearly Mussel
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 114,492.00Highest Point: Cumberland Plateau (1400 feet)
Annual Visitation: 622,807 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :36.500000 / -84.510000 (map it)
State: TN
Nearby Big City: Oneida, TN
Gateway Communities: Revelo, KY; Stearns, KY; Strunk, KY; Pine Knot, KY; Whitley City, KY
Nearby Airports: Scott Municipal Airport (SCX)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Big South Fork River, 7...
National Park Service
Big South Fork River, 7...
National Park Service
Big South Fork River, 7...
National Park Service
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In Detail
Animals Birds Birds of the forest interior dominate the landscape in the Big South Fork. Edge species also find some habitat to suit their needs, but birds of open country are largely excluded from the park, ... read more.
At A Glance Visitor Centers To get the most out of your visit, why not start at one of the park's visitor centers? Chat with our knowledgeable staff, pick up maps and publications to help you enjoy your visit, p ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area contains five developed campgrounds which are intended to meet the needs of almost any camper visiting the park. Two campgrounds, Bandy C ... read more.
Geology Natural Features & Ecosystems The Big South Fork watershed lies within the Cumberland Plateau, which is in the southern portion of the Appalachian Plateaus structural province. The geology of the Big ... read more.
History A Tragic Tale The events that occurred April 21 thru June 8, 1933 had a terrible impact on the lives of two families, two communities and many citizens of the Big South Fork area. There are many that ... read more.
In A Nutshell Things To Know Before You Come Here are some things you might want to know about Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area before you visit the area. Big South Fork protects 125,000 acre ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger The Junior Ranger Program at Big South Fork are available to children of all ages to enjoy. If you are planning on visiting Big South Fork soon, be sure to stop by either of the pa ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging There are no motels or rental cabins located within the Big South Fork other than Charit Creek Lodge. Communities surrounding the national park offer a wide choice of accommodations including ... read more.
Natural World Lightscape / Night Sky The quality of the night sky (its relative darkness) throughout the United States, and the World for that matter, has come under siege. The widespread and rapid rate of develop ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Permits Backcountry permits are required for all visitors who will be in the backcountry for one or more nights. These permits are good for the length of stay, and fees range from $5.00 to $25.00 dep ... read more.
Plants Nonnative Species Many non-native species have set up residence in Big South Fork. A non-native is any species that occurs outside its native range as a result of deliberate or accidental introductio ... read more.
Preservation Centennial Initiative 2016 On August 25, 2006 - the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service - Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne launched the National Park Centennial Initiative to prepa ... read more.
Sights to See Blue Heron Blue Heron, or Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company's past operation. The Blue Heron mines operated from 1937 until December, 196 ... read more.
Things To Do Mountain Bikes Mountain bike riding has become one of the more popular recreational activities enjoyed by visitors to Big South Fork. Currently at Big South Fork there are several trails which have b ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Hiking in Big South Fork is one of the most popular and rewarding activities within the park. Big South Fork has a large system of trails designed to take you away from your vehicle and into t ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Contact Public Affairs All media inquiries should be directed to Steven Seven, the park's Public Information Officer. He may be contacted by: Writing Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area ... read more.
Recent News
- National Parks Still Fighting to Survive September 9, 2008, 4:52 pm
- National Parks Still Fighting to Survive September 9, 2008, 4:52 pm
Big South Fork River In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
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