News Release

Upper Burke Field Parking Area Impacted Due to Roadwork on Highway 297

Date: July 24, 2020
Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

In the interest of safety, the Upper Burke Field Parking Area located along Highway 297 (Leatherwood Road) in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will not be accessible for the duration of the Highway 297 road project. The road project is currently underway and expected to conclude in February 2021. Visitors should expect to see construction equipment, workers, and materials staged in this area for the duration of the road project.  

Upper Burke Field Parking Area is a popular access route for several trails.  Instead visitors are asked to detour via North White Oak Loop Multiple Use Trail to reach their desired destinations.

Ralph Burke Road, which is a quarter mile east of the Upper Burke Field Parking Area and is assessable from Highway 297, ties into the North White Oak Loop Multiple Use Trail and will remain open. Visitors should be advised that construction equipment and workers will be in this area due to the close proximity of the parking area.

For additional information about this project, click here:
 https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/road-work-at-big-south-fork-on-highway-297-july-14-through-february-2021.htm