The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog: Big South Fork

Big South Fork

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Big South Fork · Centennial Challenge: 100 Miles for 100 Years

Big South Fork Centennial Challenge: 100 Miles for 100 Years

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

In celebration of the 100th birthday of America's national parks, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is sponsoring "Centennial Challenge: 100 Miles for 100 Years". From January 1 through December 2, participants will have a great opportunity to get out and experience many of the unique cultural and natural features of this park along their 100-mile journeys. This is a self-paced activity for visitors to hike, ride (mountain bike or equestrian), and/or paddle along the park's 500-mile multi-system trails including 70+ miles of the Big South Fork river and its tributaries. All finishers are eligible to receive a patch that was specially-designed for this event. Please visit the park's website to download the Centennial Challenge log sheet. The honor system applies; as you accumulate miles, record them. When completed, bring the log sheet to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center or mail to: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Ford Rd. Oneida, TN 37841 or email us via the park website.

There will be a culminating Centennial Challenge celebration program at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center on December 3, 2016. At this event park rangers will recognize both the youngest and oldest males and females who completed 100 miles along with the participant(s) who accomplished the challenge incorporating the most categories (hike, ride, etc.). All participants who completed the challenge will also have the opportunity to participate in a group photo at the event.

Participants are also highly encouraged to photograph their favorite places and memories along their journeys. Selected submitted images of participants' journeys may be printed for exhibition at the Visitor Center and may be displayed on the park's website and other venues.

Join the park in their year-long centennial celebration as they strive to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates for our national parks. For more information on how you can be involved, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
HikinginGlacier.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Big South Fork · National Public Lands Day

Volunteers Needed for Big South Fork National Public Lands Day

Monday, August 25, 2014

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 27, 2014. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event in which eight federal agencies as well as other groups partner together to maintain and protect the environment.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should be at Oscar Blevins Farm located off West Bandy Creek Loop Road by 9:00 a.m. ET. A safety briefing will be conducted prior to beginning work. Work will start at 9:00 a.m. and end by 2:00 p.m.. Volunteers are needed for trail clearing and trash pickup. Everyone should wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and drinking water.

More information can be found here, or you may call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, at (423) 569-9778.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork · Park Facilities · Winter Schedule

Big South Fork Announces Winter Schedule For Park Facilities

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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

Big South Fork · National Public Lands Day

Volunteers Needed for Big South Fork National Public Lands Day

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28, 2013. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event in which eight federal agencies as well as other groups partner together to maintain and protect the environment.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should be at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center by 9:00 a.m. EDT. A safety briefing will be conducted prior to beginning work. Work will start at 9:30 a.m. and end by 1:00 p.m. EDT. Volunteers are needed for trail clearing and trash pickup. Everyone should wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray and drinking water.

More information can be found at www.publiclandsday.org, or you may call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, (423) 569-9778.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Astronomy Program · Big South Fork · Paul Lewis

Astronomy Program at Big South Fork

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and the Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on August 10th for an evening star-gazing program.

On Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the night sky of August. This program will be held in the parking lot across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation after the presentation. You may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. There is no charge to attend these programs.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the Interpretation and Education Building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center and night sky observation with the telescopes will be cancelled.

For directions or additional information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork · visitor use survey

Big South Fork Visitor Use Survey Report Now Available

Friday, July 12, 2013

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has just released a visitor use study that examines characteristics, trip preferences, and expenditures of visitors of the park. The park partnered with the University of Idaho to conduct a systematic random sample of visitor groups at 11 locations (Alum Ford, Bear Creek, Blue Heron, Burnt Mill Bridge, Divide Road, Leatherwood East and West Entrances, Rugby, Station Camp, Stearns Train Depot, and Yahoo Falls) in the park during the month of September 2012. The study included a brief on-site interview and a 16 page take-home questionnaire.

The 90 page document examines a wide range of visitor traits and details. Key findings include:

• Visitors were from 21 states with 57% from Tennessee. Forty-four percent of visitor groups were residents of the area (within 50 miles of the park).

• Forty-four percent had visited the Big South Fork five or more times in their lifetime, and for 36%, this was their first visit.

• Thirty-seven percent of visitors were ages 46-60 years, 17% were 31-45 years old, 13% were 66 years or older, and 12% were ages 15 years or younger. Fifty-four percent of visitors were female. One percent were Hispanic or Latino.Ninety-six percent of visitors were self-identified as White.

• During the on-site interview, 75% of visitor groups said the park was their primary destination, and 13% said the park was one of several destinations.

• The most common primary reasons for visiting Big South Fork NRRA area among non-resident visitor groups were to visit the park (55%) and visit friends/relatives in the area (9%).

• Sixty-two percent of visitor groups chose to visit the park because of the scenery, and 37% visited because the park was the area that was closest to home.

• Forty-seven percent of visitor groups stayed overnight inside Big South Fork NRRA or within 50 miles of the park.

• The average length of stay in the park was 30.1 hours, or 1.3 days.

• Forty-five percent of visitor groups visited other local attractions on their visit. Of those visitor groups that visited other local attractions, 45% visited Historic Stearns, KY, 34% visited Pickett State Rustic Park and Forest, and 32% visited Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

• The most common places visited in the park were Bandy Creek area (51%), Leatherwood Ford (32%), and East Rim Overlook (28%). The most common activities in the park were hiking/walking (54%), stopping at scenic overlooks (50%), horseback riding/wagon riding (25%), and picnicking (25%).

• The average visitor group expenditure (inside and outside the park within 50 miles of the park) was $204. The average total expenditure per person (per capita) was $88.

The entire survey results are available on-line.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork · Oscar Blevins Trail · Rock Shelter

Guided Hike to a Big South Fork Rock Shelter on Saturday, June 22

Saturday, June 8, 2013

A ranger guided hike to a rock shelter along the Oscar Blevins Trail will take place on Saturday, June 22nd, near the Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. On this moderate two mile hike, visitors will learn about plants and animals in the park, hear about park history, and will be able to view rock shelters along the trail.

The hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on the front porch of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. In case of inclement weather, a talk will be held in the Interpretation and Education Building located beside the Visitor Center.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork · National Trails Day

Big South Fork to Host National Trails Day Event on Saturday, June 1

Saturday, May 11, 2013

As part of a National Trails Day celebration, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a day of trail repair and clean-up on Saturday, June 1. The event will be held on the Oscar Blevins Loop and Duncan Hollow Bike Trails from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT. Volunteers will meet at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking lot at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The National Park Service is partnering with the American Hiking Society on National Trails Day, a celebration that will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country on Saturday, June 1, 2013, for the 21st annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place across the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more! Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well-being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

Volunteers that plan to work on trails at Big South Fork will need to bring plenty of water, snacks and gloves. Be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The park will provide all tools and personal protective equipment.

For more information, call Effie Houston, Volunteer Coordinator, or Wally Linder, Trails Supervisor, at (423) 569-9778.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Astronomy Programs · Bandy Creek · Big South Fork

Astronomy Programs Offered at Big South Fork

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, May 18, 2013, for two special astronomy programs. A telescope with a sun filter will be positioned in front of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EDT) to allow for solar viewing. The use of special telescope filters will allow safe viewing of the sun. The sun should never be viewed without proper sun filters or permanent damage to the eyes may occur.

Later that evening at 9:00 p.m. (EDT), Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the May night sky. This program will be held in the parking lot across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation after the presentation. You may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. There is no charge to attend these programs.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the Interpretation and Education Building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

For directions or additional information, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Great deals on men's everyday apparel on Clymb365!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Bandy Creek · Big South Fork · Birding Walk · Dr. Charles P. Nicholson

Big South Fork Announces Birding Walk at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11

Thursday, May 2, 2013

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a birding walk with Dr. Charles P. Nicholson at Bandy Creek on Saturday, May 11. Nicholson holds a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree from the University of Maine and serves as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) manager for Tennessee Valley Authority. He is the author of the definitive book about Tennessee's birds, Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee, and numerous articles about birds and birding in scientific and other publications. Nicholson also taught bird watching at the University of Tennessee for a number of years and is on the board of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. He has over 35 years of birding experience on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, including the Big South Fork area.

Participants should meet Dr. Nicholson and park staff at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. (EDT) and are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and to bring binoculars and drinking water. The program will conclude by noon. We will first be walking the Bandy Creek Loop trail that starts beside the visitor center. Then we will hike a short distance of the John Litton Farm Loop and return to the visitor center. Over 160 bird species have been documented in the Big South Fork NRRA. Spring is an excellent time of year to observe the park's Neotropical migrants which winter in Central and South America along with the area's year-round residents. Attendees will be provided with a checklist of the birds documented in the Big South Fork for use both during the bird walk and during future birding outings. Both experienced and novice bird watchers are encouraged to attend.

Please contact the park at (423) 286-7275 for directions or additional information.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork · Collier Ridge · Duncan Hollow · Epic Ride · Grand Gap Loop · IMBA · International Mountain Biking Association · John Muir Trail · mountain biking · West Bandy

Big South Fork Honored As An International Mountain Biking Destination

Monday, November 5, 2012

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) recently announced at their annual World Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that five trails in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area were named as Epic Rides. The five trails are Collier Ridge, West Bandy, Duncan Hollow, Grand Gap Loop, and the portion of the John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to Station Camp. "The IMBA Epic designation, being very selective, brings with it national and international recognition to trails that are special to mountain bikers including landscape, trail length, and a back country experience. The Epic designation will draw hundreds of new users, many of who use the IMBA designation as a bucket list of must-ride trails," said Joe Cross, President of the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club.

Big South Fork is the first national park unit in the United States to receive the elite Epic Ride designation. IMBA only names a handful of trails for this title. Other Epic Rides named this year include the Warner Lake area in South Chilcotin, British Columbia, Canada, and the Bernina Express, Graubünden, Switzerland. "This is wonderful news for the Big South Fork," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, Park Superintendent. "We have a strong partnership with the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club who have volunteered many hours and worked closely with park staff to improve park trails."

For more information on mountain biking in the Big South Fork, please call (423) 286-7275 or go to the park's webpage.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Big South Fork Announces Winter Schedule for Park Facilities

Thursday, November 1, 2012

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. Superintendent Niki Nicholas was quoted as saying, "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."

The Bandy Creek Visitor Center in the Big South Fork will observe reduced hours of operation for the late fall and winter seasons. The visitor center will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time each day beginning Sunday, November 4, 2012. 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 whenever road conditions allow safe access.

The Bandy Creek and Blue Heron Campgrounds will be open on a first-come first-served basis beginning Thursday, 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, November 26, at which time Bandy Creek Campground Loops A, B, C, and the Blue Heron Campground will close for the winter. Alum Ford Campground is 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, call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Astronomy · Big South Fork

Astronomy Programs at Big South Fork Saturday October 6th

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and the Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, October 6, 2012, for two special programs.

A telescope with a sun filter will be positioned in front of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to allow for solar viewing. The use of special telescope filters will allow safe viewing of the sun. The sun should never be viewed without proper sun filters or permanent damage to the eyes may occur.

The cooler nights and clear skies of autumn make it a perfect time to observe the stars, planets, and deep space objects. On Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the night sky of October. This program will be held in the parking lot across from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation after the presentation. You may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating. There is no charge to attend these programs.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the Interpretation and Education Building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center, and night sky observation with the telescopes will be cancelled. For additional information or questions, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

For additional information about the park, call (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Big South Fork · Salt Pine Trail · Yellow Cliff Horse Trail

One Week Temporary Closure of Trails in Big South Fork

Friday, August 24, 2012

The National Park Service is in the process of installing stream crossing protection on trails in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. During this process, trails will need to be closed while the work is being performed. These projects will improve water quality, ensure better protection to a variety of species that live in the areas streams, and also improve visitor safety.

Beginning August 27, 2012, the Yellow Cliff Horse Trail that goes from the Yellow Cliff Trailhead off of Obey Blevins Road to the Fork Ridge Multiple Use Trail, and the Salt Pine Trail that goes from Fork Ridge Multiple Use Trail back to the Yellow Cliff Trailhead will be closed while the stream bed approaches are being installed. These trails will be closed to public travel from Monday, August 27, through Friday, August 31, 2012.

For further information, or if you have any questions about temporary trail closures related to these activities, please contact Wally Linder at (423) 569-2404, ext. 321.

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

backcountry fires · Big South Fork

Big South Fork Announces Lifting of Restrictions on Backcountry Fires

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Due to the recent rains, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has lifted the recent temporary restriction on backcountry fires within the Big South Fork. Visitors are reminded that fireworks are always prohibited within the Big South Fork.

For further information, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275

Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

Angel Falls Rapid · Big South Fork

Wildflower Hike and Ride at the Big South Fork

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Join Park Ranger Howard Duncan this Saturday, April 21, for a delightful hike along the Big South Fork River looking at the spring wildflowers. You will certainly see some of the more common spring wildflowers and may discover some uncommon ones as well. Wear comfortable walking shoes; bring your wildflower guide, your camera and your interest in discovering nature. For those wanting to bring along their lunch, the Angel Falls Rapid is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic. The hike is an easy four mile round-trip to the Angel Falls Rapid and back to Leatherwood Ford. Meet Ranger Duncan at the Leatherwood Ford gazebo at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Also this Saturday, Park Ranger Sue Duncan will lead a group horse ride in search of spring wildflowers.

For more information on these two events, please click here.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Big South Fork · Oil and Gas Wells

Plugging of Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in Big South Fork will temporarily close trails

Monday, March 5, 2012

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control (TDEC), will plug and reclaim fourteen abandoned oil and gas wells in the park this spring and summer. The project will be completed with federal funds through a cooperative agreement with TDEC. This project will improve safety conditions for visitors and protect natural resources in the park.

Miller Energy Resources was selected by TDEC to perform well plugging operations. The fourteen wells slated for plugging are located throughout the park. Work is scheduled to begin immediately.

In the interest of visitor safety and overall project success, temporary closures of site-related access roads and trails may be necessary. The public will be notified of any closures at least one week in advance to allow visitors to prepare alternate plans for park activities.

For further information or questions concerning this project, please contact Chief of Resource Management, Tom Blount, at (423) 569-2404, extension 252.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Bandy Creek Visitor Center · Big South Fork

New Hours for Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Big South Fork

Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Bandy Creek Visitor Center in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be changing to new hours for the late fall and winter seasons. In the interest of better serving visitors travelling from the Central time zone, 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 6, 2011. 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.

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, call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Astronomy Program · Big South Fork

Astronomy Program at Big South Fork this Weekend

Monday, September 26, 2011

Paul Lewis from the University of Tennessee and the Big South Fork astronomy volunteers will be at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on Saturday, October 1, 2011, for two special programs.

A telescope with a sun filter will be positioned in front of the Bandy Creek Visitor Center from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to allow for solar viewing. Using special telescope filters allows us to safely view the sun without damaging our eyes. The sun should never be viewed without proper sun filters or permanent damage to the eyes may occur.

The cooler nights and clear skies of autumn make it a perfect time to observe the stars, planets, and deep space objects. On Saturday night at 8:30 p.m., Paul Lewis will describe which objects to look for in the night sky of October. This program will be held in the Bandy Creek Visitor Center parking lot across from the Visitor Center. Telescopes will be available for night sky observation after the presentation. You may want to bringa blanket or chair with you for comfortable seating. These programs are free and all are invited to attend.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the evening program will be moved indoors to the building next to the Bandy Creek Visitor Center, and night sky observation with the telescopes will be cancelled. For additional information or questions, please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Big South Fork · Fee Free Day · National Public Lands Day

Fee Free Day this Saturday at Big South Fork

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

In honor of National Public Lands Day, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will offer free backcountry camping and free camping at Alum Ford Campground on Saturday, September 24.

National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands American's enjoy. The National Park Service has been participating in National Public Lands Day for more than three decades, and last year, 170,000 volunteers built trails and bridges and removed trash and invasive plants on public lands across the country.

For more information, you may call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275, the Stearns Visitor Center at (606) 376-5073.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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