Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Big South Fork NRRA in Fall
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.
Map showing location of park.
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.
a lodge building in the woods
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.
River through forest green
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.
Vendors set up at an event.
Big South Fork Invites Vendors to Participate in 2026 Storytelling Festival
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area invites craft vendors, artisans and food vendors to take part in the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Sept. 19. This annual signature special event celebrates the traditions, stories, music, arts, crafts and food of the Cumberland Plateau.
Big South Fork’s Brewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for Repair
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will temporarily close for repair and re-pavement beginning on Monday, June 29th. The road was heavily damaged from significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Big South Fork NRRA in Fall
Photo by NPS Photo