Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
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.
Big South Fork NRRA Hosts River Cleanup, April 11, 2026
On April 11, Big South Fork NRRA will host a river-based cleanup in partnership with Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and East Tennessee Whitewater Club. The park will determine which section of stream to paddle based on river flow levels and other factors.
The Public is Invited to the Annual Big South Fork and Obed Science Meeting on April 8, 2026
The National Park Service will host an annual public science meeting at Historic Rugby Visitor Center, in Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to spend the day with scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other areas on the Cumberland Plateau.
Big South Fork NRRA to Welcome New United States Citizens in 2026
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are proud to partner in hosting an official naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026, where 150 individuals will take the oath of citizenship.
National Park Service Announces Planting and Music Festival in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
The National Park Service invites the public and seeks vendors for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on Saturday, April 25 in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
The Annual Big South Fork "Mail Run" Mountain Bike Event
Every New Year’s Day the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and the Big South Fork Bike Club invite all mountain bikers to ride the annual Big South Fork “Mail Run” event.
Photo by NPS Photo