Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841REGION
Melton Hill
COME EXPLORE THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU
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.
The river is a dynamic system which changes constantly. Expect the unexpected for conditions change quickly. The following links will provide you with information which will help you to plan a safe and enjoyable paddling trip in the Big South Fork.
WHITE WATER PADDLING: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/whitewaterpaddling.htm
Chris Arp, a local paddler from Knoxville Tennessee has filmed several paddling trips down the Big South Fork River. View the clips of the groups adventures down the river and through Double Falls Rapids (45 seconds), Washing Machine (11 seconds) and The Ell (40 seconds). Together these rapids are refered to as "The Big Three".
WHITE WATER PADDING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PTsyf3I5Aw
ROCK CLIMBING-Hundreds of miles of cliff are nestled within the boundaries of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. For the intrepid rock climber, these sandstone bluffs harbor an enormous wealth of rock climbing potential. Although much of the rock is too loose, soft, or blank to support rock climbing as an activity, potential routes exist in abundance for those who are dedicated enough to seek them out.
ROCK CLIMBING VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4nCr07bDKk
HORSEBACK RIDING has become one of the most popular activities at Big South Fork. To provide access to many of the area's scenic features, there are over 212 miles of horse trails available throughout the Big South Fork. These horse trails are all signed and marked with a red blaze. The trails vary in both length and degree of difficulty. They range from short, easy day rides to long and strenuous loops that may take several days to complete. Due to the extensive network of trails, horseback riders are advised to purchase a Trails Illustrated map from either of the park visitor centers, Eastern National, a park concessionaire, or local area businesses.
ITINERARY PAGE & MAPS: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm
TAKE A HIKE- Hiking is one of the most popular and rewarding activities within Big South Fork. A large trail system is designed to take you into the heart of the park. Big South Fork has developed a map depicting the trail system, broken into nine detailed maps of all trail uses. If you need something a little more planned out, try our trip itinerary page with some of the most popular routes already mapped out for you.
Within the trail system there are a full range of opportunities available, from a short easy hike along the Big South Fork River to long and strenuous multiple day hikes and backcountry camping. There is even a section of the John Muir National Recreation Trail that passes through the park. Sheltowee Trace Trail is now being connected to Big South Fork National Park into Rugby, TN.
Maps for hiking: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Motor home camping: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Night Sky & Astronomy Programs: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/astronomy.htm
Park Brochures: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/brochures.htm