National River & Recreation Area · Kentucky, Tennessee
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Junior Ranger Program
- Tubing
Weather & when to go
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
Operating hours
Park Operating Hours
The park is always open.
Campgrounds
Alum Ford Campground
Blue Heron Campground
Bandy Creek Campground
Bear Creek Campground
Station Camp Campground
FAQ
- Is Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area free to visit?
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area?
- The park is always open.
- Do I need a reservation for Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.