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
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Horseback riders look at scenery along trail.
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Nearby Attractions
 
Obed River and gorge.

National Park Service

Obed River seen from Lilly Bluff Overlook.

Obed Wild and Scenic River is located in Morgan and Cumberland Counties in East Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. The park includes parts of the Obed River, Clear Creek, Daddy's Creek and the Emory River. Over 45 miles of creeks and rivers are included in the wild and scenic river area. These waterways have cut rugged gorges with bluffs as high as 500 feet above the whitewater in the streams. Outdoor recreational activities such as whitewater boating, rock climbing, hiking and fishing are popular seasonal activities in the Obed.

For additional information visit Obed Wild and Scenic River or call (423) 346-6294

 

State Park Systems for both Kentucky and Tennessee offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature, explore history and enjoy a broad range of year-around recreational activities. 

State parks from both states are located near Big South Fork, but they represent only a portion of what each state park system has to offer.

Follow these links to the Kentucky State Parks and the Tennessee State Parks and discover the adventures which await you.

 
Campers and Ranger at Dale Hollow Lake.

USACE

Camping is a popular activity along Dale Hollow Lake.

Dale Hollow Lake is managed by the Nashville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who welcomes you to this recreational treasure located on the Cumberland Plateau. Each year  Dale Hollow Lake provides recreational opportunities to millions of visitors. As a result of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors to Dale Hollow have many opportunities to fish, hunt, camp, picnic, boat, canoe, hike, ride horseback, and enjoy the outdoors.

For additional information visit Dale Hollow Lake or call the Resource Manager at (931) 243-3136.

 
One of the original houses standing in Historic Rugby.

National Park Service

One of the original houses still standing in Historic Rugby.

Historic Rugby was founded in 1880 by British author and social reformer Thomas Hughes. Rugby was to be a cooperative, class-free, agricultural community for younger sons of English gentry and others wishing to start life anew in America. This would-be utopia survives today with twenty of its original buildings. The Schoolhouse Visitor Center contains exhibits which trace the history of Rugby and daily tours take visitors into several of the original buildings.

For further information visit Historic Rugby or call (423) 628-2441.
A spectacular view of fog rolling through Cumberland Gap in the fall.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The story of the first doorway to the west is commemorated at Cumberland Gap
more...
Cabin located at Charit Creek Lodge 
Charit Creek Lodge
Rustic backcountry lodging available
more...
South Arch of the Twin Arches 
Sandstone Arches
Big South Fork and the Cumberland Plateau is an area rich in sandstone arches.
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.
Angle Falls Rapids on the Big South Fork River

Did You Know?
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects only 14% of its watershed. Unfortunately it is the lower end of the watershed, so that everything which happens outside the park, impacts the parks water quality.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 12, 2011 at 07:52 MST