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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
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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 »
Blue Heron Ghost Train
drawing by Park Ranger Sue Duncan Enjoy an exciting night time train ride round trip to the Blue Heron Coal Mining Community and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. There is a train fare for this activity. Advanced train reservations are recommended. You may contact the Big South Fork Scenic Railway at 800-462-5664 or 606-376-5330 or visit www.bsfsry.com. People wanting to drive their own vehicles may do so by taking Highway 742 from Stearns. Bring a flashlight and be prepared to walk a short distance. Hear chilling tales from the hills and hollows of the Cumberland Plateau. There is no fee to attend the program at Blue Heron. For additional information call 423 286 7275 or 606 376 5073. |
Did You Know?
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...