Big South Fork
National River and Recreation Area
The free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries pass
through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range of natural and
historic features. The area offers a broad range of recreational opportunities including
camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain
biking, hunting and fishing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with its experience in
managing river basins, was charged with land acquisition, planning and development of
facilities. Now completed, these lands and facilities are operated and maintained by the
National Park Service for the benefit and use of the public.
VISITATION:
Highest during the summer months of June, July, August and during the month of October.
LOCATION:
The park is located in northeast Tennessee and southeast Kentucky. Park Visitor Centers
are located in Tennessee 15 miles west of Oneida off TN 297 and in Kentucky in Stearns on
KY 92. Park Headquarters is located 9 miles west of Oneida on TN 297.
ADDRESS:
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Park Headquarters
4564 Leatherwood Road
Oneida, Tennessee 37841
TELEPHONES:
Park Headquarters - (423) 569-9778
Visitor Center - Tennessee - (931) 879-3625
Visitor Center - Kentucky - (606) 376-5073
Bandy Creek Campground - (931) 879-4869
OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS:
The park is open year around.
The Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open daily, except Christmas. Visitor Center
hours are 8:00 to 4:30 from November through May and 8:00 to 6:00 from June through
October (eastern time).
The Kentucky Visitor Center is open daily from May through October from 9:00 to
5:30. From November through April hours may vary. Calling ahead is suggested.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is located in a humid climatic
region, typified by mild winters and moist warm to hot summers. Storm systems typically
bring heavy rains from December through March which may cause flooding. Summer
thunderstorms are common. Winter snowfall occurs intermittently in the area and averages
17 inches per year. Wear comfortable clothing for the season and bring clothing for the
possible extremes.
DIRECTIONS:
The area is most easily reached by car. Southbound on I-75 take KY 461 south to KY 80,
take 80 west to U.S. 27, take 27 south to Oneida and follow TN 297 west into the park.
From I-75 northbound, take TN 63 west to U.S. 27, take 27 north to Oneida and follow TN
297 west into the park. From I-40 westbound, exit at U.S. 27, travel north to Oneida and
follow TN 297 west into the park. From I-40 eastbound, exit at U.S 127 and travel north to
TN 154, take 154 north to TN 297 and follow take 297 east into the park.
TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: The closest commercial airports are in Knoxville and Nashville,
Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky.
In Park: Personal vehicle, 4-wheel drive vehicle, bicycle and horse.
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No entrance fees are charged. Visitor use fees are charged for the Bandy Creek and
Blue Heron Campgrounds.
Rates effective January 1, 1999
Bandy Creek $15/night (no electricity) and $18/night (with electricity)
Blue Heron $12/night (with or without electricity)
Bandy Creek Pool $2.00/day (non campers) Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
FACILITIES and OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Bandy Creek Visitor Center (TN) and Kentucky Visitor Center (KY) provide visitor
information, backcountry permits, book sales.
Blue Heron Mining Community (KY) is an outdoor museum dealing with the Stearns Coal and
Lumber Company, coal mining and life in a company mining town.
Programs/Activities:
Summer evening programs Saturday night from Memorial Day through September. Special
events throughout the year including Pioneer Encampments, Astronomy Programs and
Storytelling Festival. For additional information on these and other special park events
visit our special events page or call the park for specific dates and times at (931)
879-3625.
Lodging and Camping Facilities:
Bandy Creek Campground - 100 sites with water and electric, 50 tent sites
and two group camping area, restrooms, showers, dump station and swimming pool.
Reservations for the Bandy Creek Campground and group sites are available between April 1
and October 31, walk-ins are also permitted. Information concerning the Bandy Creek
Campground may be obtained by calling (931) 879-4869. Campground reservations
are recommended and available through the National
Park Reservations Service. Call them at 1-800-365-CAMP (2267).
Blue Heron Campground - 49 sites with water and electric, restrooms, showers and
dump station. Information concerning the Blue Heron Campground may be obtained
by calling (931) 879-4869.
Alum Ford - 8 primitive sites, portable toilets and no drinking water.
Station Camp Horse Camp - 24 sites for horse camping. Each site has water, electricity
and a four horse tie stall. All have access to restrooms and showers. Concession operated,
for further information call (423) 569-3321.
Bear Creek Horse Camp - 23 sites for horse camping. Each site has water, electricity
and a four horse tie stall. All have access to restrooms and showers. Concession operated,
for further information call (423) 569-3321
Charit Creek Lodge - a backcountry lodge accessible only by foot or horseback. Offers
full service accommodations, but no phones or electricity. Concession operated, for
further information call (423) 429-5704.
Food Supplies:
Local restaurants and grocery stories in all surrounding communities.
Other Concessions, NPS Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Eastern National bookstores are located in the Bandy Creek and Kentucky Visitor Centers
and at the Blue Heron Mining Community.
Bandy Creek Stables offers long and short term boarding.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers train excursions from Stearns, KY, into the Blue
Heron Mining Community. For additional information call 1-800-GO ALONG.
Commercial Use Licensees offer a wide range of services within the Big South Fork
ranging from whitewater raft trips to canoe rental to horseback trips or bike rental.
Accessibility:
The Bandy Creek and Kentucky Visitor Centers are handicap accessible. Bandy Creek, Blue
Heron and Station Camp Campgrounds offer handicap accessible campsites and restroom
facilities. Blue Heron Mining Community is accessible with some steep grades. Several
overlooks and some short trails are fully accessible.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
A wide variety of recreational uses are promoted at the Big South Fork National River
and Recreation Area. Whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking are popular in the spring
months while canoeing and canoe camping on non-whitewater sections are available all year.
Swimming is available in rivers and at the Bandy Creek Pool. Hundreds of miles of hiking
and horse trails exist with no restriction on backcountry camping. Developed campgrounds
and primitive lodging exist. Mountain biking is allowed on bike trails, horse trails and
4-wheel drive roads. Hunting and fishing are allowed in season with appropriate state
licenses. Scenic overlooks are located in both the Tennessee and Kentucky portions of the
park.
RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:
Program arrangements for visiting school groups should be made at least two weeks in
advance. Reservations for the Bandy Creek Campground are available between April 1 and
October 31, walk-ins are also permitted. Campground reservations are recommended and
available through the National Park Reservations Service. Call them at
1-800-365-CAMP (2267). Group campsite reservations may be made by calling
(931) 879-4869. Backcountry permits are issued on a voluntary basis. Reservations for
concessionaire services are recommended.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
One day can easily be spent in both the Tennessee and Kentucky portions of the park.
Overlooks and Blue Heron are easily accessible to all visitors. Time spent on the trails
or river offers access to the true beauty and dimensions of the park.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Photography workshops are sponsored each year. Special interpretive programs such
as astronomy, dulcimer concerts, throughout the year. Storytelling and Craft Festival
held in September each year. Cumberland Color Caper featuring a pioneer encampment
and Cultural Heritage Day held each October. Visit our special events page or call the
Bandy Creek Visitor Center for further information and specific dates for these and other
special events.
SPECIAL IMPACTS:
High water during the spring may cause flooding; use caution when crossing rivers on
foot or horseback. Never attempt to paddle sections for which you are not qualified and
always use caution on the river. Be extremely careful when swimming in rivers and know the
inherent dangers of rivers. During the cold months be aware of the dangers of hypothermia
and dress accordingly. Hunting is allowed within the recreation area; visitors should
check with the Visitor Centers concerning seasons and wear "hunter orange" while
in the backcountry during hunting season. Many trails lead to spectacular views along the
tops of cliffs and bluffs; be careful as you approach these overlooks and watch your step.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Historic Rugby, a Victorian community founded in the 1880's, is located along the
southern edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Obed Wild and Scenic River is located 30 miles south of Oneida on U.S. 27.
Pickett State Park is located 15 miles from Bandy Creek in Highway 154.
The Gateway Regional Visitor Center
located in Knoxville Tennessee is scheduled to open in early April. The Center
is a partnership between the National Park Service, the City of Knoxville, the
Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin, the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History
Association and the Knoxville Visitor and Convention Bureau. Themes of the
center will focus not only on the natural and cultural resources of the Southern
Highland region around Knoxville but also the interaction between the technology of the
region and these natural and cultural resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Park Headquarters, 4564
Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, call (931) 879-3625 or submit an Information Request.
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is currently developing a General Management Plan which will be used
to guide the development and/or management of the park. Public involvement in this
process is crucial to its success. Visit the site, share your thoughts/ideas,
and become a part of the process.
Last Updated: 05/07/99
Steven_Seven@nps.gov