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 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.
Celebrate the Tradition of Decoration Day at Big South Fork with Cemetery Quest Event
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will celebrate the deeply rooted tradition of Decoration Day on the Cumberland Plateau with its sixth annual Cemetery Quest event. The event begins at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 2 at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Following a guided booklet, participants can visit cemeteries throughout the region in search of site-specific information.
Music, Demonstrations and Guided Bird Walk Highlight the 26th Annual Spring Planting Festival Schedule
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will feature a full day of music, historic demonstrations and Appalachian traditions for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day for those who prefer not to walk between festival locations.
Brewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for Repair in May
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be temporarily closed for repair and repavement from May to mid-summer. The road was heavily damaged during significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Photo by NPS Photo