Best Hiking Trails in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Overview

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is one of the largest and most diverse parks in Tennessee. With a total area of over 125,000 acres and 300 miles of trails, Big South Fork is rich in biodiversity, geological formations, history and recreational opportunities. This park attracts hikers, backpackers, campers, horseback riders, hunters and fishermen year round with a multitude of excellent outdoor adventures.

Getting Started

Getting There:

The park is easily accessible from Interstate 40 and Interstate 75. For driving directions to Big South Fork, visit this page .

Crowds:

Big South Fork is open year round, with fall and spring being the busiest seasons. Even during peak visitation periods, there is typically ample parking at the visitor centers and trail heads. The sheer size of the park and remote access to many of its trails ensure that solitude can be found even during the more heavily visited seasons.

The Bandy Creek visitor's center and Leatherwood Ford parking areas and trail heads are paved and easily accessible and receive more traffic than many other areas of Big South Fork. Many trails are accessed by gravel roads and the occasional logging road remnant and are less used.

Highlights:

Mother Nature provides a spectacular array of natural attractions in Big South Fork. Highlights include the Twin Arches, a pair of the largest twin natural stone bridges in the eastern United States. The Honey Creek Loop, which follows a stream and winds through rugged boulders and gorgeous stone formations, is a great destination for the hearty hiker. The John Muir Overlook and Angel Falls Overlook offer spectacular views of their respective valleys. Sections of the John Muir Trail and Sheltowee Trace also run through Big South Fork.

Facilities:

Restrooms with running water are available at the developed Bandy Creek visitor's area. A small number of trail heads have pit toilets but no water.

When to Go

Fall is the most popular visiting season at Big South Fork with the spectacular autumn foliage drawing the largest crowds. Spring wildflowers and the May mountain laurel blooms are also big draws for the park. Summer and winter are the best seasons for those who want to avoid the crowds and find solitude on the trails.

Permits

There are no fees to enter Big South Fork, but front country and back country camping do require paid permits. For information on fees or to purchase a permit online, click here .

Dog Info

Pets: Dogs are allowed in the park with a maximum 6 foot leash requirement. Big South Fork is popular with horseback riders and the park does allow hunting in some areas, so it's important that visitors with pets adhere to the leash rules. For more information on pets in the park, visit this page .