About
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects a free-flowing stretch of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, where water moves through deep gorges and past high bluffs across the border of Kentucky and Tennessee. It is known simply as Big South Fork by many visitors, and the area is managed as a national river and recreation area rather than a single built attraction.
What you will find
The landscape is the main draw. The river and its tributaries have cut into the terrain over time, leaving gorges and bluffs that frame the water. The area also supports a wide range of plant and animal life, so a visit suits anyone interested in natural places, whether you walk, look at the scenery, or simply spend time outdoors.
Planning a visit
- Setting: The river runs through rural country on both sides of the state line, so expect a quiet, natural setting rather than an urban one.
- Getting there: The address listed for the area is 4564 Leatherwood Ford Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, which is a useful starting point for directions.
- Contact: You can reach the area by phone at +1-423-569-9778 before you go.
- Surroundings: Because the area covers a long stretch of river in two states, plan your route in advance and check what services are close to the part you intend to visit.
Is it worth the trip?
If you enjoy gorges, rivers and wooded country, Big South Fork offers a chance to see a free-flowing river landscape protected for public use. It works best as a day or longer outing built around the outdoors, with the river and its surrounding scenery as the reason to visit.