Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSFNRRA), is one of the best kept secrets in all of Tennessee and Kentucky. But that is changing. Word is getting out that this unspoiled park is a new jewel in the crown of America’s National Parks. By word of mouth, a few good books and a bit of marketing, Big South Fork is emerging as a mecca for the naturalist.

What is Big South Fork?
The BSFNRRA is ninety miles of river gorges, rock faces, forest land and churning white water — a perfect environment for those who love nature and outdoor non-competitive sports. For the lucky few that know about BSFNRRA, it is a favorite for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, white water rafting kayaking, mountain climbing, trail riding on horseback, and camping.

Where is Big South Fork?
Located in northeast Tennessee and southeast Kentucky, Big South Fork River and Recreation Area is maintained by the National Park Service.

Does Big South Fork have a visitor’s center?
Actually, it has two. At Big South Fork's visitor centers you can get backcountry permits, visitor information, and helpful guide books.

• Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Tennessee is open every day except Christmas. During November through May their hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm. June through October the Brandy Creek Visitors Center is open until 6:00pm. You can reach them at 931-879-3625.

• The Kentucky BSFNRRA visitor center is open every day from 9:am to 5:30pm May through October. The schedule may vary at other times of the year so you may want to call them. Their number is 606-376-5073.

Big South Fork is open all year. The park is available for use all year, but most prefer to plan their trips June through August while the children are out of school or during October for Big South Forks spectacular leaf color.

The climate in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is typical of that of the south for each season. That means springtime in BSFNRRA is a comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, the gentle southern beauty of springtime inevitably gives way to hot, humid summers and afternoon thunderstorms. Bring raingear.

• Fall is the favorite season of many that come to Big South Fork. It is nearly always invigorating both in temperature and in nature’s wonderful display of leaf color. The winters are quite tolerable and mild.

• Most of the precipitation in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area comes in the form of rain. Nevertheless, BSFNRRA still manages to get 15-18 inches of snow a year. Ice storms only hit the area every several years. It is a good idea to check the weather here on Rod’s Guide before planning your trip.

Plants in Big South Fork National River Recreation Area.
Many have grown to love the Big South Fork in springtime for it’s wild flowering trees and shrubs, such as dogwood, laurel and red bud trees.

What about horses in the park?
Horseback riding is a beautiful way to enjoy mother nature and it is definitely permitted in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Call Big South Fork Horse Camps at (423) 569-3321.

How do I get to Big South Fork?

From Interstate 75 South
If you are traveling south on I-75, get off at KY 461 and turn south. Continue going south until you come to KY 80. Travel west on KY 80 until you come to US 27. Go south on US 27 to Oneida and take TN 297 west into Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

From Interstate 40 West
If you are approaching BSFNRRA from I-40 west, exit at US 27 and turn north toward Oneida. Take TN 297 west into the park.

From Interstate 40 East
If you are traveling to BSFNRRA on 1-40 east, exit at US 127 and go north to TN 154. Go north on TN 154 until you come to TN 297. Travel east on TN 297 into the park.

What is the nearest airport to BSFNRRA?
Big South Fork is not a highly developed area. The nearest large airports are in Knoxville and Nashville. The nearest airport in Kentucky is at Lexington.

Getting Around Big South Fork.
If you are flying in, keep in mind there is no public transportation in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The only way to get around is by a personal or rented vehicle, bicycle, horseback or foot.

Big South Fork telephone numbers.
Park Headquarters - (423) 569-9778
Tennessee visitor center (Bandy Creek) - (931) 879-3625
Kentucky visitor center - (606) 376-5073
Blue Heron Mining Community - (606) 376-3787
Group Camps - (931) 879-4869
Bandy Creek Campground - (931) 879-4869
Camping Reservations http://reservations.nps.gov