Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee |
| DESCRIPTION: | The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, the heart of the Big South Fork Recreation Area, flows through a canyon that reaches depths up to 600 feet in places. Because this river has many whitewater rapids, it is a great place for kayaking or whitewater canoeing. Angel Falls, Devils Jump, and the "Big Three" which ends with the "El" are some of the best of these rapids. Other natural highlights include natural arches, walk-behind waterfalls, panoramic overlooks, chimney rocks, dome rockhouses, caves, natural bridges, lakes, streams, numerous species of wildflowers, and interesting walkways through "Crack-in-the-rock." If the natural highlights are not enough, Big South Fork also offers the hiker several historic landmarks such as the Oscar Blevins farm, Clara Sue Blevins House, John Litton Cabin, Jake's Place, the Rugby House, and the Blue Heron Mining Company. Other attractions include the John Muir Trail and nearby Pickett State Rustic Park and Honey Creek Pocket Wilderness. Over o hundred miles of trails and dirt roads allow access to these many attractions. Additionally, Big South Fork offers horseback riding and not only allows, but encourages mountain biking within this state park. |
| DIRECTIONS: | Take I-40 East out of Nashville to exit 318, the first Crossville exit. Here, turn left onto U.S. 127 North. In the town of Hugarth, take TN 154 North until you reach TN 297. At this junction, turn right onto TN 297 East and drive to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Bandy Creek will provide you with all the information you need: hiking maps, campsite locations, water levels, mountain bike maps, and other information about the park. In order to reach the northern Kentucky section of the park, continue on TN 297 East past the Bandy Creek Visitor Center to the U.S. 27 junction at Oneida. Turn left and proceed North. Three roads will turn left off of U.S. 27 into Big South Fork. In order of appearance, they are: KY 742 junction in Revelo, KY leading to the Blue Heron Mining Community; KY 93 junction in Stearns, KY leading to Yamacrow Bridge; and KY 700 junction in Whitley City leading to Yahoo Falls. |
| CAMPGROUNDS: | Campgrounds are located next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center on TN 297. The are also located at Alum Ford, Blue heron, and Pickett State Rustic Park. Blue Heron and Bandy Creek offer modem sites, complete with restrooms and showers. A station camp is located on the river, just below the John Litton Cabin. Charit Creek Lodge, located in the middle section is a favorite place for horseback riders who can leave their horses in the large barn set apart from the complex. Reservations here are needed however. Other campsites are located throughout the park as well. Information on these campsites can be found at the Bandy Creek Center. |
| CAUTIONS: | Stream crossings, steep ascents and descents, narrow ledge crossings, ladders, high bluffs and cliffs, mudholes, stairs, swinging bridges, marshy areas, and poison ivy can all be found within the Big South Fork. Also, because of rapid water, be careful if you plan to swim in the river, the swift water can carry a swimmer into dangerous, even fatal situations more quickly than on might think. Finally, BRING BUG REPELLANT! |
| FOR MORE INFO: | Consult The Best of the Big South Fork by Russ Manning and Sondra Jamieson. You can also contact write Big South Fork N.R.A., Park Superintendant, P.O. Drawer 630, Oneida, TN 37841. Also check out the National Park Service Page for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. |
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