InformationDec 31, 2025
The Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
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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
Mar 2, 2026
National Park Service Announces Planting and Music Festival in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
The National Park Service invites the public and seeks vendors for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 25 in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Dec 11, 2025
The Annual Big South Fork "Mail Run" Mountain Bike Event
Every New Year’s Day the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and the Big South Fork Bike Club invite all mountain bikers to ride the annual Big South Fork “Mail Run” event.
Nov 25, 2025
Big South Fork NRRA Honors 2025 GO BIG Challenge Participants During Event Celebration