With the onset of winter brings shorter days, colder weather and reduced visitor use. Some facilities within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will close for the winter or observe reduced hours and operations. "Closing some under-utilized facilities will help save energy and personnel time that otherwise would have to be used to maintain those facilities through the winter months. Our goal is to accommodate visitor needs while saving as much taxpayer money as possible," said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.
The Bandy Creek Visitor Center in the Big South Fork will observe reduced hours of operation for the late fall and winter seasons. The Bandy Creek Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time each day beginning Sunday, November 3, 2013. The Visitor Center will be open every day except for Christmas Day, December 25. The park is open for use every day of the year. The Blue Heron Bookstore and Interpretive Contact Station will be closed beginning November 1. The Blue Heron Mining Camp is open for visits throughout the year whenever road conditions allow safe access.
The Bandy Creek and Blue Heron campgrounds will be open on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Friday, November 1. The Bandy Creek Group Camp will close immediately after the Veterans Day weekend. All other campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until Monday, December 2, at which time Bandy Creek Campground Loops A, B, and C, and the Blue Heron Campground will close for the winter. Bandy Creek Loop D and Alum Ford Campground are open throughout the year.
Days may be shorter and the weather cooler, but the Big South Fork has a great deal to offer during the winter months. To find out how you may continue to enjoy the Big South Fork in the coming months, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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