Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area
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.
46
Routes
4.8
(6)
Average rating
167
People visited

2
hikers
3.90km
01:03
60m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
2.18km
00:34
20m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
1
hikers
10.4km
02:50
140m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
18.0km
05:01
320m
320m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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22
riders
53.1km
04:50
690m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
10.2km
00:59
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
36.6km
03:21
500m
500m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
runners
25.0km
03:04
420m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
10.7km
01:22
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

3
runners
7.86km
01:02
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
23.3km
02:55
290m
290m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

