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.
A collage of two images of the tan riffleshell
Endangered Freshwater Species Shows Signs of Population Increases
An endangered freshwater mussel species in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is showing signs of natural population increases for the first time. The tan riffleshell (Epioblasma walkeri) is an endangered mussel found in only a few locations within the Big South Fork of the Cumberland and the upper Clinch Rivers.
A man sitting on stage with a guitar singing.
Big South Fork Announces Storyteller & Musician Lineup for the 15th Annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will present the 15th annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Blue Heron Outdoor Museum. This free evening of live music starts at 5:00 PM ET with storytelling beginning at 7:00 PM ET beneath the historic coal tipple.
Arch rock formation in Big South Fork.
Tourism to Big South Fork NRRA Contributes $28.5 Million to Local Economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 780,000 visitors to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in 2024 spent $28.5 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area.
Two giant white tents under a coal tipple structure.
Blue Heron Ghost Mine Storytelling Returns to Big South Fork NRRA on October 18
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will host the 15th annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Saturday, October 18, 2025, celebrating Kentucky’s rich tradition of storytelling at the historic Blue Heron Mining Community.
A group of people sitting down for a dulcimer lesson workshop.
Live Music to Accompany the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Festival at Big South Fork
The 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival returns to the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area on Saturday, September 20, bringing with it a full day of stories, heritage, and music. From morning workshops to evening performances, music will be present throughout the festival grounds, offering opportunities for both participation and performance.
Big South Fork NRRA in Fall
Photo by NPS Photo