• 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 »

Cultural Heritage Weekends at Blue Heron

Sherry Picture reduced for web

Drawing by Park Ranger Sherry Fritschi

Cultural Heritage Days is an annual event conducted by the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area every Saturday in October at the Blue Heron Coal Mining Community near Stearns, Kentucky. You may enjoy a round-trip ride to Blue Heron on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway or you may drive. Advanced train reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 800-462-5664 or 606-376-5330. You may also visit www.bsfsry.com for additional information.

On any Saturday during October you may have the opportunity to see spinning, blacksmithing, basket-weaving, muzzle-loading rifle demonstrations and hear traditional music played on dulcimer, banjo or guitar. You can learn what it was like to have worked and lived in a coal camp. The schedule varies throughout the month so there will be different activities each weekend. There is no fee to attend the programs. For additional information call 423-286-7275 or 606-376-5073.

Did You Know?

Archeology dig occuring at Big South Fork

In terms of total sites, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is the most important archaeological location in the Southeast Region of the National Park Service.  The 1,335 documented archaeological sites at Big South Fork represent only 20% of the estimated total for the park. More...