• 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 »

National Trails Day at Big South Fork

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Date: May 27, 2011
Contact: Howard Duncan, 423-569-9778

On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America’s magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Two thousand events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more. Since 1993 National Trails Day has inspired thousands of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

In conjunction with National Trails Day, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host three trail maintenance work sessions on Saturday, June 4. National Park Service volunteers will work on hiking, horse and bicycle trails within the National Recreation Area.  

Volunteers and park employees will meet at Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to begin work on the John Litton Farm hiking trail and the Collier Ridge bike loop. Work will consist primarily of cutting fallen trees from the trail and vegetation removal. Work will also take place on the Upper Panther Branch horse trail. Trail workers will meet at the Timber Ridge Equestrian Campground at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to work on this trail. The primary effort will be focused on clearing downed trees and removing vegetation from the trail corridor. More volunteers are needed for this project. If you would like to become a National Park Service Volunteer in Park (VIP), you may sign up the day of the event.  

For more information about how you can participate, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275. For more information on the National Park Service VIP program visit www.nps.gov/volunteer.

Did You Know?

Freshwater mussel found in Big South Fork River

Twelve of the nations 300 species of fresh water mussels are now extinct.  Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area currently has 20 documented species, five of which are federally listed as endangered. More...