• Angel Falls Rapid on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River

    Big South Fork

    National River & Recreation Area KY,TN

  • Whitewater

    Big South Fork of the Cumberland River is free-flowing with no dam controls. Check the river gauge readings before your river trip. Heavy rains can cause flooding and make river use dangerous. Always use a personal flotation device when on the river. More »

  • Steep Road Grade

    There is a 13% grade for an approximate 5 mile stretch on Highway 297 between Bandy Creek Road on the west of the river and Headquarters on the east side. This is called the gorge. Use caution when traveling with recreational campers or horse trailers. More »

  • Firewood Quarantine

    Firewood Ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress in Tennessee and McCreary in Kentucky can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood. More »

  • Black Bears

    Black bears are found within this area. Store all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly when in the campgrounds or when using the backcountry. More »

First Fee Free Weekend of 2012

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Date: January 11, 2012
Contact: Dru James, 423-569-9778

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that the National Park Service will once again offer fee free days this year to encourage Americans to visit these national treasures. National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Parks that do not charge entrance fees have the discretion to waive other types of fees on these days. Niki Nicholas, Superintendent of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, has authorized fee waivers for the Alum Ford Campground and backcountry camping permits during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend (January 14-16). Everyone is encouraged to visit the Big South Fork and take advantage of these special days.

For more information, call (423) 286-7275.

Did You Know?

Hikers admire spring wildflowers near Charit Creek.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has over 150 miles of maintained hiking trails available for your enjoyment.  Trails range from short, one mile loops to long multi-day hikes through the rugged backcountry. More...