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Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaHorseback riders look at scenery along trail.
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Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Operating Hours & Seasons
 

Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open daily, except Christmas. Center staff is available to provide visitors with information they need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region.  In addition to maps and park specific information, backcountry permits are available. Eastern National maintains an outlet in the Center.

Visitor Center hours May through September are 8:00 to 6:00 Sunday thru Saturday.  October thru April the hours are 8:00 to 4:00 (Eastern Time). For additional information call (423) 286-7275.

 

Stearns Depot Visitor Center is located in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in downtown Stearns, Kentucky in partnership with the McCreary County Heritage Foundation.  The Center staff is available to provide visitors with the information the need for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and region.  Eastern National also maintains an outlet in the depot. 

The Center is open daily from May through October from 9:00 to 5:30. From November through April, hours may vary. Calling ahead is suggested. For additional information call (606) 376-5073.

 

Blue Heron Mining Community is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork via KY 742.  The facility is open for visitation at any time; interpretive rangers are present from April through October.  During non-staffed times, visitors may tour the facility, visit the structures, view displays and listen to the audio programs.  For additional information call (606) 376-3787.

Camper in Bandy Creek Campground, TN 
Camping
Camping facilities in Big South Fork
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Big South Fork Scenic Railway 
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Ride the rails to Blue Heron links to Big South Fork Scenic Railway
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Cabin located at Charit Creek Lodge 
Charit Creek Lodge
Charit Creek offers rustic backcountry lodgeing - link to Charit Creek website for more information.
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National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program will provide a number of pass options
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Freshwater mussel found in Big South Fork River  

Did You Know?
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.
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Last Updated: March 20, 2009 at 11:04 EST