What’s Happening at Big South Fork, April 12 and 13

Date: April 8, 2013
Contact: Sherry Fritschi, 423-286-7275

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be giving three programs during Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13.

Guided Walk at Historic Rugby:  On Friday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the National Park Service will be conducting a guided walk at Historic Rugby to the Gentleman's Swimming Hole and the Meeting of the Waters.  Participants should gather at the trailhead near the Laurel Dale Cemetery for this approximately two mile loop hike.  No reservations are required.  Please contact the park at [phone] for further details and information.

Wildflower Horseback Ride:  On Saturday, April 13, you are invited to join a park ranger on a ride to see what wildflowers are blooming.  Riders will meet at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time at the Bandy Creek Day Use Equestrian Trailhead, located near the entrance to Bandy Creek Campground.  The group will ride from the Bandy Creek Trailhead to Charit Creek Lodge by way of the Black House Branch Trail and return along the same route.  There will be numerous wildflowers along the trail.  It is recommended that you bring water and lunch.  For directions to the trailhead, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone].  Riders should dress appropriately for the weather.  Participants must bring their own horse.

Wildflower Hike: On Saturday, April 13, meet with a ranger at 10:00 a.m. at Leatherwood Ford for a four mile round-trip hike to scenic Angel Falls Rapid.  The trail is fairly level but wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.  Learn to identify some of the common wildflowers and discover some uncommon ones as well.  Folklore, medicinal uses and legends about particular wildflowers will be shared during the hike.  This walk will travel along a beautiful section of the Big South Fork River.

For further information on the Big South Fork, call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone].