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Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Discover

Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Things to Do in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area is a 125,000-acre recreation area situated on the Cumberland Plateau, protecting the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. This expansive landscape features scenic gorges, impressive sandstone bluffs, and unique rock formations, including numerous natural arches. The diverse terrain makes it a prime destination for outdoor activities, offering opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.

Things to Do in Big South Fork National River And…

Website

Directions

Phone number

46

Routes

4.8

(6)

Average rating

167

People visited

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Hiking in Big South Fork National River And Recreation AreaSee all
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2

hikers

John Muir Trail

3.90km

01:03

60m

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4.0

(1)

1

hikers

10.4km

02:50

140m

150m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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1

hikers

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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22

riders

53.1km

04:50

690m

690m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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3

riders

10.2km

00:59

180m

180m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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4

runners

10.7km

01:22

250m

250m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

Moderate
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3

runners

7.86km

01:02

170m

170m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Top attractions in the region

South Arch (Twin Arches)

Natural Monument

Potter Branch Double Arch

Natural Monument

Explore the region

Hiking in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Most popular attractions in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area

Places to see

Collections

Sheltowee Trace Trail — Bikepacking Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains

Mountain Biking Collection by

Andrus

Nearby adventure guides

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Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The area features an extensive trail system with over 200 miles (320 km) of trails. It is recognized for its diverse landscapes and unique natural features.

Are there hiking trails for beginners in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Yes, Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including easy options. The Yahoo Falls Loop Trail, at 1.2 miles (1.9 km), is an example of an easy to moderate hike. For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area guide.

What are some popular hiking trails in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Popular hiking trails include the Angel Falls Overlook, a 6-mile (9.7 km) roundtrip moderate hike, and the Middle Creek Loop, which is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip. These trails offer diverse experiences through forested areas, past waterfalls, and along dramatic cliffs. More information can be found in the Hiking in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area guide.

Are dogs allowed on trails in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on trails throughout Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area. This allows companions to join in the outdoor adventures. Visitors should ensure their pets are under control and follow park regulations.

What natural features can be seen in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

The recreation area is known for its scenic gorges, impressive sandstone bluffs, and unique rock formations. Notable features include numerous sandstone arches, with the Twin Arches being particularly famous. The South Arch is one of the largest natural arches in the eastern United States.

Are there mountain biking trails in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area is recognized as an 'epic' destination for mountain biking. It features almost 35 miles (56 km) of dedicated mountain bike trails, with some reports suggesting up to 300 miles (480 km) are available. Consult the MTB Trails in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area guide for specific routes.

Are there any waterfalls in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Yes, the area features several waterfalls as part of its diverse landscape. Trails often lead past these natural water features, providing scenic views. For routes specifically highlighting these attractions, refer to the Waterfall hikes in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area guide.

What is the best time to visit Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

The Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area can be visited year-round, with each season offering different experiences. Its vast size allows for peace and solitude even during busier times. Visitors can enjoy the diverse activities throughout the year.

Are permits or fees required to hike in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Generally, there are no specific permits or fees required for day hiking in Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area. However, visitors should always check the official park website for the most current regulations regarding specific activities or overnight stays. Information can be found on the official park website.

What kind of accommodations are available near Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

The area provides various camping options, including developed campgrounds with amenities and primitive sites. For a unique experience, the Charit Creek Lodge offers off-the-grid lodging accessible by foot, bike, or horse. Other lodging options may be available in nearby communities.

How many routes are available on komoot for Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

There are 56 routes available on komoot for Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area. These routes cover sports such as hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The routes have an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars from over 600 visitors.

Where can I find official information for Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area?

Official information for Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area can be found on its website. The official website is www.nps.gov/biso. For visitor information in Tennessee, the phone number is (423) 286-7275.

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