Big South Fork NRRA in Fall
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Activities
Arts and CultureAstronomyStargazingBikingMountain BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)RV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodPicnickingHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingSwimmingPool SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Directions
Please use the following link to learn more about how to get here from various locations.
Get directions →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.
News
Aug 25, 2026
Blue Heron Campground Will Remain Open During 2026-2027 Winter Season
Big South Fork NRRA will leave open Blue Heron Campground, located in Kentucky this coming winter season. This pilot project will provide the park an opportunity to determine if there is sufficient winter demand to keep the campground open year-round.
Aug 20, 2026
Big South Fork NRRA Opens Business Opportunity to Manage Charit Creek Lodge
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is offering a 10-year concession contract for the Charit Creek Lodge. Through Oct. 20, the National Park Service is accepting business proposals to operate rustic lodging, food and beverage, alcoholic beverages, retail and stabling at Charit Creek Lodge.
Aug 19, 2026
National Park Service and the University of Tennessee Announce New Partnership
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and three local NPS units to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of outdoor recreation and public land management.