Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Overview
Boasting miles of scenic sandstone bluffs and river gorges, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the natural beauty of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. Covering 125,000 rugged acres of the Cumberland Plateau and spanning the states of Kentucky and Tennesee, the park is rich with history and nature, and the land has been developed to provide visitors with a multitude of recreational opportunities. Enjoy the views of pristine streams and impressive chimneys, arches, and cliffs that have been carved from the sandstone of the plateau.
To learn more about Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
Visitor center hours vary by season. Note that the park spans two time zones. To see current operating hours, visit the park's website.
- Headquarters Building: Open 8 am to 4:30 pm ET, Monday through Friday.
- Bandy Creek Visitor Center: Open 8 am to 6 pm ET, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Open 9 am to 5 pm ET during the winter. Closed on Christmas.
- Crossville Visitor Center: Open 9 am to 5 pm CT, weekends.
- Rugby Visitor Contact Station: Open 9 am to 5 pm ET, weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
- Helenwood Visitor Center: Open 9 am to 5 pm ET, weekends.
- Blue Heron Interpretive Center: Open daily from 9:30 to 3:30 ET, April 1 through October 1.
- Stearns Visitor Contact Station: Open 9 am to 5 pm ET, weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Fees & Passes
There is no entrance fee to Big South Fork NRRA. However, there are several types of user fees. To learn more about these additional fees, visit the park's website.
Visiting Tips
Camping & Lodging
Big South Fork contains five developed campgrounds, including two equestrian camps. The various campgrounds offer a range of amenities and more information can be found here.
- Bandy Creek Campground (TN): 96 hook up sites. 49 non-hook upsites. 2 group sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Blue Heron Campground (KY): 45 sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Bear Creek Horse Camp (KY): 23 sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Alum Ford Campground (KY): 6 sites. Sites are filled on a first come, first served basis.
- Station Camp Horse Camp (TN): 24 sites. Reservations can be made online or by calling (931) 319-6893.
Lodging:
Charit Creek Lodge is located in the Station Camp Creek drainage and offers a full range of amenities including cabin and dormitory rentals, meals, restrooms and showers. Access to the lodge is by foot, bike, or horse only. For more information or to make reservations, visit Charit Creek Lodge's website or call (865) 696-5611.
Food & Drink
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - 1
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Recommended Routes in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - 8
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Honey Creek Loop
4.2 mi 6.7 km • 565' Up 172.29 m Up • 571' Down 174.17 m Down
2019 NB100 Training Camp: Day 1
21.6 mi 34.8 km • 2,391' Up 728.74 m Up • 2,373' Down 723.43 m Down
No Business 100 Training Run #1
30.0 mi 48.3 km • 2,947' Up 898.19 m Up • 2,951' Down 899.37 m Down
No Business 100 - Bandy Creek Training Run
28.8 mi 46.4 km • 2,746' Up 837.1 m Up • 2,749' Down 837.98 m Down
Sheltowee Trace NRT: Big South Fork NRA
49.2 mi 79.1 km • 4,831' Up 1472.36 m Up • 4,859' Down 1481 m Down
Angel Falls Overlook to Grand Gap Loop
12.0 mi 19.3 km • 1,145' Up 348.93 m Up • 1,143' Down 348.26 m Down
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Running
- 153 Miles 246 Kilometers of Trail
- 8 Recommended Routes
- 1 Gem
- 13 Easy Trails
- 51 Intermediate Trails
- 10 Difficult Trails
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Trails in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - 66
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3.9
mi
6.2
km
#1Twin Arches Loop Trail
Oneida, TN
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Oneida, TN | 22 | ||
0.9
mi
1.5
km
#2Twin Arches Trail
Oneida, TN
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Oneida, TN | 12 | ||
1.0
mi
1.5
km
#3Honey Creek Overlook Access
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
0.9
mi
1.4
km
#4Kellogg's Crack Loop
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
2.0
mi
3.1
km
#5White Oak Trail
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
0.9
mi
1.4
km
#6Massengale Loop Trail
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
1.3
mi
2.1
km
#7Allerton Ridge Trail
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
0.4
mi
0.7
km
#8Cox Branch Trail
Huntsville, TN
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Huntsville, TN | 1 | ||
5.2
mi
8.4
km
#9Grand Gap Loop Trail
Oneida, TN
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Oneida, TN | 11 | ||
4.4
mi
7.1
km
#10John Litton Farm Hike Loop
Oneida, TN
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Oneida, TN | 7 |
Photos of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - 103
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos