National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Old building still standing at Blue Heron
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Plan Your Visit
 

Welcome to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Established in 1974, Big South Fork was designated as both a National Recreation Area and a National River. The National Recreation Area designation was deemed appropriate due to the area's proximity to a large number of metropolitan areas and the potential the area exhibited for outdoor recreational activities. While still managing Big South Fork in such a manner as to protect the area's natural and cultural resources, the park is also managed in a way which will provide visitors with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of healthy outdoor recreational activities.

What ever type of outdoor recreation you enjoy, chances are Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, has a place you can do it.  The hardest part of your visit may be deciding which trail, overlook, historic site, natural feature or program to try next!

Some of the most popular recreational activities available at Big South Fork include

While this information will aid in planning your visit to Big South Fork, it is recommended you stop by one of the park's two visitor centers to obtain all the details needed for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Park Newspaper: Read up on possible activities before you arrive.

Photo of superintendant
Superintendent Bio
Niki Nicholas welcomes visitors to Big South Fork
more...
paper permit
Backcountry Permit
Permits are required to camp overnight along the trails
more...
sun65
Local Weather
Details for Kentucky and Tennessee
more...
Dog face
Pets in the Park
Bring your pet on a leash into the park
more...

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.

Last Updated: November 02, 2011 at 07:09 MST