• 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 »

Temporary Closure of Big Creek Road

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: April 29, 2011
Contact: Tom Blount, 423-569-9778

Superintendent Niki S. Nicholas has announced the temporary closure of Big Creek Road to vehicular traffic within the boundaries of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This closure will restrict all motorized vehicles from using the road.

This temporary closure is the result of a landslide along the Big Creek Road that has made the road unsafe for use. The park is working in cooperation with the McCreary County Water District to repair the road. A contract with the water company has been awarded, and construction should begin on Thursday, April 28, 2011, weather permitting. When repair of the road is complete, the closure will be removed. This restriction is expected to be in effect for approximately a week. Questions may be addressed to the Big South Fork NRRA headquarters at (423) 569-9778.

Did You Know?

Black bear now live in and around Big South Fork.

In the mid-1990's black bear were released in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area to study relocation techniques and to determine whether adequate habitat existed in the area.  There are now an estimated 40 - 50 bear living in and around the park. More...