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Big South Fork National River & Recreation AreaMountain Laurel blooming in the spring.
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Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Visitor Centers
 

To get the most out of your visit, why not start at one of the park's visitor centers? Chat with our knowledgeable staff, pick up maps and publications to help you enjoy your visit, purchase a gift at the Eastern National outlet and find out about the programs and special events offered throughout the year.

Bandy Creek Visitor Center

  • Location:  adjacent to the Bandy Creek Campground; approximately 15 miles west of Oneida and 24 miles east of Jamestown off Highway 297.
  • Exhibits: focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and throughout the seven surrounding counties.
  • Facilities: bookstore; restrooms; vending machines and ice sales.
  • Hours: open year-round 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.  Extended hours 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
  • Phone: (423) 286-7275.
 

Stearns Depot Visitor Center

  • Location: in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in Stearns, Kentucky, approximately one mile west of US Highway 27 just off Highway 92.
  • Exhibits:  focus on the recreational opportunities found within Big South Fork and the surrounding area.
  • Facilities: bookstore; restrooms; ticket sales for the Scenic Railway located in the same lobby.
  • Hours: open daily April through October 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Closed November through March.
  • Phone: (606) 376-5073.
Camper in Bandy Creek Campground, TN 
Camping
Camping facilities in Big South Fork
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Storytellers presenting at the Haunting in the Hills Festival
Storytelling Festival
Haunting in the Hills storytelling festival is held each September.
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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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Devils Jump Rapid is just below the site of the proposed dam.  

Did You Know?
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.

Last Updated: October 19, 2009 at 11:55 EST