Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
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, purchase a gift at the Eastern National outlet and find out about the programs and special events offered throughout the year.
Bandy Creek Visitor Center
- Location: adjacent to the Bandy Creek Campground; approximately 15 miles west of Oneida and 24 miles east of Jamestown off Highway 297.
- Exhibits: focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and throughout the seven surrounding counties.
- Facilities: bookstore; restrooms; vending machines and ice sales.
- Hours: open year-round 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.
- Phone: (423) 286-7275.
Stearns Depot Visitor Center
- Location: in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in Stearns, Kentucky, approximately one mile west of US Highway 27 just off Highway 92.
- Exhibits: focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and the surrounding area.
- Facilities: bookstore; restrooms; ticket sales for the Scenic Railway located in the same lobby.
- Hours: open daily Memorial Day through October 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday the remainder of the year; closed Christmas Day.
- Phone: (606) 376-5073.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open daily, except Christmas. Center staff is available to provide visitors with information they need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region. In addition to maps and park specific information, backcountry permits are available. Eastern National maintains an outlet in the Center.
Visitor Center hours through September 30 2006, are 8:00 to 4:00 Sunday thru Thursday and 8:00 to 8:00 Friday and Saturday. The remainder of the year hours are 8:00 to 4:00 (Eastern Time). For additional information call (423) 286-7275.
Stearns Depot Visitor Center is located in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in downtown Stearns, Kentucky in partnership with the McCreary County Heritage Foundation. The Center staff is available to provide visitors with the information the need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region. Eastern National also maintains an outlet in the depot.
The Center is open daily from May through October from 9:00 to 5:30. From November through April, hours may vary. Calling ahead is suggested. For additional information call (606) 376-5073.
Blue Heron Mining Community is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork via KY 742. The facility is open for visitation at any time; interpretive rangers are present from April through October. During non-staffed times, visitors may tour the facility, visit the structures, view displays and listen to the audio programs. For additional information call (606) 376-3787.
Big South Fork River In Depth
News from the Parks
State Pushing its Plan to Thin Federal Elk Herd
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:39pm
Unhappy with federal alternatives, the State Game and Fish Department is pushing its own plan to thin an overpopulated elk herd at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Northwestern Hawaiian Isles Might Met U.N. Designation
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
January 7, 2009 - 3:11pm
The Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands could become the second United Nations World Heritage site in Hawaii, joining Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Full Slate of Activities this Month at Saguaro National Park
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
January 7, 2009 - 3:09pm
A series of programs are under way at Saguaro National Park. Explore the natural and cultural history of the park. Come along on a naturalist-led evening walk or join a local expert for a presentation in the visitor center. Programs will be offered at both districts. There is no charge for interpretive programs, but park entrance fees apply.
Park Service Rolls Out Bike Sharing
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
January 7, 2009 - 3:08pm
About 300 National Park Service employees have the opportunity to get around D.C. in an environmentally-friendly way. In a one-year demo program between the NPS and Lousiville, Ky.-based Humana Inc., the health-benefit company is giving 30 bikes to NPS employees to help them cut down on auto gas emissions.
A Plan for Stimulus Money: National Parks
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
January 7, 2009 - 3:05pm
There are any number of things that could be done with the upcoming, huge stimulus package to put Americans back to work and and improve infrastructure. About $2.5 billion of that could go to our national parks, says the National Parks Conservation Association, and they have a plan.
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