• 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 »

Online Backcountry Permits

Please read and follow the guidelines below for your safety and enjoyment of the backcountry areas of the Big South Fork NRRA.

Contact a Ranger at 423-286-7275 for more information.
 
*I have read and agree with the conditions to the right.

Travel in Big South Fork's backcountry has inherent risks and hikers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Rescue is not a certainty. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and should be able to survive on their own by taking the necessary precautions and equipment. Your safety is your responsibility.
 
*I have read and agree with the conditions to the right.

In large camping areas, camps should be 200 feet from streams and trails and 1/4 mile from springs. Camping in previously used areas or on bare ground is encouraged.
 
*I have read and agree with the conditions to the right.

Backcountry groups are limited to a maximum of 24 people sharing the same affiliation, scout troop, family, friends in the same area, route, or trail, on the same day. Your permits will be denied and/or you will receive a ticket if you are in violation of this regulation. This regulation is strictly enforced.
 
*I have read and agree with the conditions to the right.

Pets must be on a leash at all times.

All natural objects and cultural artifacts are protected and must be left where they are found.

Human waste should be buried at least 6 inches deep and whenever possible, 200 feet away from water, dry wash areas, or designated campsites. All trash, including toilet paper, should be packed out.

Purify all water before drinking.

I have read and fully understand the rules associated with my trip and I agree to comply accordingly. Failure to comply with regulations will result in revocation of this permit and a fine.  

I will contact the Park Fee Office at 1-423-569-2404 ext 267 if there is a reduction in my group size or cancellation of a trip.

I will notify the backcountry office at 423-569-9778 if my vehicle or emergency contact information changes. Failure to do so will delay search and rescue efforts.

I will print and carry my permit with me, and I will advise a friend or family member to notify the National Park Service if I am overdue.
 
*I have read and agree with the conditions to the right.

Use the standard method of hanging backpacks and food sacks at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from the tree trunk.
Any food not in use should be stored in this manner while in the backcountry. Plan your meals carefully so excess food is not left over.
Do not sleep in clothes you have cooked in, as the food odor left on your clothes may attract a bear. Consider cooking some distance from your sleeping area.
 
**NOTICE**
All backcountry permits are FEE FREE if you plan to use them during the following dates:
January 14-16, 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
April 21-29, 2012 National Park Week
June 9, 2012 Get Outdoors Day
September 29, 2012 National Public Lands Day
November 10-12, 2012 Veterans Day Weekend


Stop by one of the Park's visitor centers to obtain your free permit.

For more information contact the fee office at 423-569-2404 ext 267 or by email at tish_neal@nps.gov

 
CLICK HERE

TO PROCEED WITH PURCHASE OF A BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT


Did You Know?

Devils Jump Rapid is just below the site of the proposed dam.

In the 1960's  Congress requested the Army Corps of Engineers to study the feasibility of damming the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River just above the Devils Jump Rapid to create another reservoir.  Had that happened Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area would never have existed.