National Parks / Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
National River & Recreation Area — KY,TN
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.
Current Alerts
- InformationBig South Fork’s Brewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for Repair
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork NRRA will temporarily close for repair and re-pavement beginning on Monday, June 29. The road was heavily damaged from significant rain events in 2022 and 2023. The area boat launch and day use area will be inaccessible during the project.
More info → - InformationThe Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
More info → - InformationBig South Fork Announces Temporary Closure of Blue Heron Tipple Bridge
Big South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately in the interest of visitor safety. A recent bridge safety inspection conducted by the Federal Highway Administration identified structural issues specific to the pier’s bridge decking which is now leaning beyond acceptable standards.
More info → - InformationFirewood ban is in effect for the park.
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 info → - InformationBlack Bears at Big South Fork
Black bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Ranger-led Program at Blue Heron Visitor CenterSun Aug 23 2026Blue Heron, KY
- Ranger-led Campground Program at Bandy Creek Campfire CircleFri Aug 28 2026Bandy Creek Campground Campfire Circle across from the pool parking lot.
- Rag doll Craft Demonstrations at Blue HeronSat Aug 29 2026Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky at the end of Mine 18 Rd
- Reading Ranger at Bandy CreekSat Aug 29 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center, 151 Stable Rd Oneida TN 37841
- Ranger-led program: Roots of Blue HeronSat Aug 29 2026Program will meet at Blue Heron Visitor Center located at the end of Mine 18 road, Strunk, KY
- Ranger-led Talk: What’s the Buzz about Pollination?Sat Aug 29 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center, 151 Stable Rd Oneida TN 37841
- Junior Ranger Day: Railroad Explorer Program at Blue Heron KYSun Aug 30 2026Blue Heron Visitor Center located at the end of Mine 18, Strunk KY
- Junior Ranger Day: Wildland Fire Program at Bandy CreekSun Aug 30 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center 151 Stable Rd Oneida TN 37841
- Annual Photo Contest RevealFri Sep 04 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center - 151 Stable Rd., Oneida, TN 37841
- Ranger-led Campground Program at Bandy Creek Campfire CircleFri Sep 04 2026Bandy Creek Campground Campfire Circle across from the pool parking lot.
- Ranger-led Porch Talks: Bandy CreekFri Sep 04 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center, 151 Stable Rd Oneida TN 37841
- Haunting in the Hills Storytelling FestivalSat Sep 19 2026Bandy Creek Visitor Center: 151 Stable Road, Oneida, TN 37841