Establishment
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area was authorized by Congress on March 7, 1974. At that time the park was the first unit in the National Park System to be designated as a National River and a National Recreation Area.

Acreage
Legislative boundaries for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area allow for the protection of 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. The park currently encompasses 114,492.13 acres.

Economic Impact
Based on current visitation and using the Money Generation Model developed by Michigan State University, Big South Fork contributes over $10 million dollars yearly to local economies.

Annual Budget
$4.487 million base budget in Fiscal Year 2010.

Developed Campgrounds
Big South Fork contains 3 general campgrounds with 233 sites, 97 with water and electric hook-ups, 100 tent sites and 36 sites in group camping. In addition there are 2 equestrian campgrounds having 49 sites with water, electric and stalls.

Backcountry Trails
141 miles of hiking trails, 182 miles of horse trails and 24 miles of mountain bike trails

Roads
121 total, 20 paved and 101 unpaved

Streams
244.13 miles of streams.

Personnel
Approximately 48 permanent and 25 seasonal employees.

Volunteers
300 volunteers donated 11,204 hours in Fiscal Year 2010.

Visitation