Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

About Big South Fork

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.

Hours

Getting there

Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.

Weather

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.

Things to do

Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Climbing, Fishing, Food, Freshwater Fishing, Hiking, Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use), Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Mountain Biking, Paddling, Park Film, Picnicking, Pool Swimming, RV Camping, Rock Climbing, Shopping, Stargazing, Swimming, Tubing, Wildlife Watching.