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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Showing posts with label Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Show all posts
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Big South Fork and Obed Trails Highlighted in the Mountain Laurel Walks Celebration

Saturday, April 25, 2015

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Six of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Obed Wild and Scenic River trails are showcased in this year's Mountain Laurel Walks Celebration. These trails generally have excellent views of the beautiful, native mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) shrub that is usually in bloom in later May and early June as well as many wildflowers and are excellent hikes for bird watching.

• Angel Falls Trail at Leatherwood Ford (2 miles, easy effort) is a relatively flat hike which offers visitors a view of the old Leatherwood Ford crossing, Big South Fork River, scenic geology and finishes with Angel Falls. There are two small bridges.

• Burnt Mill Loop (4.4 miles, moderate effort) gives hikers the opportunity to view both the plateau and the gorge. It offers the longest section of trail on the Clear Fork River; the trail also offers a picnic area and restrooms at the trailhead. There is one set of steps and one ladder.

• Gentlemen's Swimming Hole Loop (2.1 miles, moderate effort) showcases the confluence of Clear Fork River and North White Oak Creek.Visitors can also stop in to Historic Rugby to gain insight to the area's past.

• Honey Creek Loop (5.2 miles, difficult effort) is the most challenging trail in Big South Fork. With multiple stream crossings and over 500 feet change in elevation, five waterfalls make the hike a must for any visitor.

• Point Trail (3.8 miles, moderate effort) is the longest trail within Obed Wild and Scenic River. Hikers will enjoy bubbling streams, Obed Arch, and finish with a breathtaking view of the gorge from the overlook. There is one bridge with stairs.

• Twin Arches Upper Loop (2 miles, easy effort) showcases the beauty of the Big South Fork. The loop offers a spectacular view of the gorge and the largest arch east of the Mississippi. There are four sets of stairs (two are quite steep).

The Mountain Laurel Walks is an annual celebration of late spring in the Upper Cumberland Plateau and is organized by the Morgan County Tourism Alliance. For more information on these trails and other recreational opportunities in the Big South Fork and the Obed Wild and Scenic River, please call (423) 286-7275 or (423) 346-6294.



Jeff
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Big South Fork’s John Muir Trail Extension Now Open

Thursday, November 13, 2014

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A new 2.3 mile section of the John Muir Trail in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, from Devils Den to Honey Creek Loop, was completed this past National Public Lands Day, September 27, 2014. This new connection allows hikers to travel approximately 39 miles on the John Muir Trail from Pickett State Forest all the way to Honey Creek Loop trailhead. The new section of the John Muir Trail is also blazed as part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and the new section allows the extension of the Trace 14 miles deeper into the Big South Fork NRRA.

Some of the costs related to the trail work were made possible by a donation to the Big South Fork NRRA from the Sheltowee Trace Association, a volunteer-based non-profit. "This new section of the John Muir Trail enables us to co-locate the Sheltowee Trace on some of the most beautiful, rugged terrain that showcases some of the best trail in the Big South Fork," said Steve Barbour, executive director of the Sheltowee Trace Association. "We see this addition as another step forward toward our goal of eventually connecting the Trace to the Cumberland Trail."

The Sheltowee Trace is a 319 mile National Recreation Trail that was created in 1979 and now stretches from Honey Creek Loop in the Big South Fork NRRA to northern Rowan County, Kentucky. The trail is named after Daniel Boone, who was given the name Sheltowee (meaning "Big Turtle") by members of the Shawnee tribe.

For information on hiking and other recreation opportunities in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, please call (423) 286-7275.



Jeff
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Big South Fork Offers Guided Hikes at Historic Rugby

Thursday, August 21, 2014

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area rangers invite everyone to join them on two very enjoyable walks in the park adjoining Historic Rugby. The Big South Fork, in partnership with Historic Rugby, is staffing a visitor contact station in the Board of Aid to Land Ownership building at Rugby this summer. In addition to providing information and orientation to Big South Fork visitors, rangers are providing guided hikes into the Big South Fork every Saturday and Sunday through the end of September.

The Meeting of the Waters hike on Saturday is a moderately difficult 2.3 mile loop. The trail begins by descending into the Clear Fork River gorge to the historic Gentlemen's Swimming Hole. It continues along the Clear Fork River to the Meeting of the Waters where the Clear Fork is joined by White Oak Creek. Along the way hikers can view some of the prettiest forest to be found on the Cumberland Plateau. From the Meeting of the Waters, the trail begins a short, steep climb back to the ridge top where it follows an easy path back to the trailhead. The entire hike takes about two and one half hours.

The Gentleman's Swimming Hole Trail hike on Sunday is a moderately difficult, .8 mile round trip into and out of the Clear Fork gorge to the swimming spot once favored by early Rugby colonists. This one hour walk provides a journey through a pretty hemlock and rhododendron forest and offers a chance to sit for a few minutes alongside the beautiful Clear Fork River. Both hikes begin at 1:00 p.m. (ET) from the Rugby Trailhead located next to the Laurel Dale Cemetery in Historic Rugby. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

For more information, call park headquarters at (423) 569-9778. You may reach the Big South Fork Rugby Contact Station at (423) 628-2991.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Youth Conservation Corps Completes Trail Work in Big South Fork

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announced yesterday that high school students from Tennessee and Kentucky have recently completed volunteer work while working with one of two Youth Conservation Corps teams.

Eight high school students from Fentress and Scott counties in Tennessee, as well as eight students from McCreary County, spent the summer working on a number of projects, which included more than 20 miles of trail rehabilitation, clearing brush from the area around an old Civilian Conservation Corps cabin, repairing retaining walls and steps, cleaning up picnic areas, and repainting numerous park directional signs. Their work also focused on rehabilitating sections of the popular Yahoo Falls Trail.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young men and women, ages 15 through18, to work on projects to protect public lands. The Youth Conservation Corps program is one that trains young people and provides outdoor work that is supervised by a trained crew leader. Participants gain valuable professional experience working on National Park Service lands, and get to learn how to use tools, safe work habits, team work, and how conservation projects benefit the environment, and protect cultural and historical resources.

For further information about this program and its accomplishments, please call Dave Carney at (423) 569-9778.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Celebrate National Trails Day at Big South Fork on Saturday, June 7

Sunday, May 18, 2014

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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 7. The event will be held on the Middle Creek Nature Loop, and volunteers will meet at the parking area of the Middle Creek Nature Loop off Divide Road at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The Middle Creek Nature Loop was the first official trail built in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Construction began on June 14, 1982.

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 7, 2014, for the 22nd 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
Hiking Trails in the Smokies
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Big South Fork Celebrates National Park Week With Free Camping

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be observing National Park Week from Saturday, April 19, through Sunday, April 27. Everyone is invited to celebrate all that America's more than 400 national parks have to offer with the theme "National Park Week: Go Wild!"

National Park Week will kick off with free backcountry camping permits as well as free camping at Alum Ford Campground for Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20. Then join the park for the 14th Annual Spring Planting Day as well as National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26, with activities taking place at Bandy Creek.

From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. For more information on the BSF, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Big South Fork Announces Wildflower Discovery Weekend in May

Saturday, February 1, 2014

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Is it too early to talk about spring on this first day of February? Apparently not for the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Earlier this week they announced a partnership with the McCreary County, Kentucky, Tourism Commission and the U.S. Forest Service in the area's first Wildflower Discovery Weekend, scheduled for Friday, May 2nd, and Saturday, May 3rd.

The event will include a series of natural history talks and walks on wildflowers, black bears, geologic arch formations, amphibians, birds, waterfalls, and the area's rich cultural history. Hikes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on both Friday and Saturday. Pre-registration is required and group size is limited. The hikes will begin at the Yahoo Falls Picnic Area and the Blue Heron Interpretive Center. There will also be an indoor presentation that Friday evening discussing the area's threatened and endangered species, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the train depot in historic Stearns, Kentucky.

The Yahoo Falls area provides a stunning variety of spring flowers on a short, moderate hiking trail. In addition to wildflowers, spectacular scenery is provided by the 113-foot tall Yahoo Falls, towering sandstone cliffs, a huge rock shelter, and an outstanding overlook of the Big South Fork River. The hikes will be led by U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service rangers and local volunteers. The Yahoo Falls Picnic Area is accessed from Highway 700, west of Whitley City, Kentucky.

The Blue Heron Interpretive Center at the historic Blue Heron Mining Community is a great place to learn about the history of the area, but it is also surrounded by dense diverse forest offering great opportunities to view wildflowers. Blue Heron is accessed by following signs from U.S. 27 south to 92 west and turning on 1651. Watch for signs to Blue Heron. Turn left on Mine 18 Road (Highway 742). Mine 18 Road ends at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center.

For further information, contact Tara Chaney of the McCreary County Tourism Commission at (606) 376-3008 or visit the website. To see the complete schedule of talks and hikes and to register for the events, please click here.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Two Kayakers Rescued on Obed Wild & Scenic River

Monday, January 27, 2014

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The NPS is reporting this morning that on the evening of January 12th, rangers and Morgan County rescue squad members responded to a 911 call from a 28-year-old man who said that he and a 32-year-old companion had been kayaking from Obed Junction to Nemo on the Obed Wild & Scenic River when they experienced problems and became separated. The caller said that he was lost and cold and did not know where his friend was.

After locating the caller’s position with the help of Morgan County dispatch and the man’s cell phone, rangers paddled across the river at Canoe Hole and began looking for him, finding him around 10:30 p.m. Rangers escorted him back to the other side of the river, where the rescue squad was waiting to transport him to the ambulance.

Shortly after rangers began a ground search for the second man, a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter located him along the river downstream of Alley Ford. With the help of GPS coordinates and guidance provided by the crew onboard the helicopter, Obed and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area rangers found him just after midnight.

Both men were suffering from exposure when found, but were treated and released by Morgan County Ambulance service.



Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Bandy Creek Campground Program: Beginnings of the National Park Service

Saturday, August 10, 2013

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Join Ranger Dustin Beaty to learn about the birth of the National Park Service and the establishment of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This program will be held at Bandy Creek Campsite number D 03 on August 17th at 7:30 p.m. (EDT). The program will last approximately 90 minutes.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a chair to sit around a campfire, sturdy shoes, a flashlight and insect repellent. 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 more information please contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Guided Hike to a Big South Fork Rock Shelter this Sunday

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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A ranger guided hike to a rock shelter along the Oscar Blevins Trail will take place on Sunday, July 21st, 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, contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Guided Photography Hike at Bandy Creek in Big South Fork

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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A guided photography hike will take place at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, July 13th, along the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop in the Bandy Creek area at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Visitors will learn quick and easy tips for all photography levels while out enjoying the Big South Fork.

The Oscar Blevins Farm Loop can be found at the Bandy Creek Trailhead. Follow the Bandy Creek Road past the Visitor Center and the campground then follow the sign that says "Trailhead" and points to the left and pull into the trailhead parking lot. The hike will begin at the trailhead sign. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Interpretation and Education Building located beside the Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Please call the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275 for further information.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Bear on the Plateau: An Interpretive Program at Blue Heron Campground, Saturday, June 1

Friday, May 24, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has announced a 45-minute, ranger-led interpretive program about Big South Fork's largest mammal: the American Black Bear. Come and enjoy an evening outdoors with Ranger Debby Zimmerman at the campfire circle to learn more about a myriad of bear-related topics such as historical relationships with human cultures, black bear biology, how to stay safe in bear country, and your role in keeping bear populations wild. This fun, fact-filled evening activity begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday, June 1, at the Blue Heron Campground.

Everyone is welcome to this campfire circle program, which is free of charge and wheelchair accessible. The park asks that you wear weather-appropriate clothing.

For directions or additional information, please call the Blue Heron Interpretive Center at (606) 376-3787.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Evening Black Bear Program at Big South Fork next Saturday

Saturday, May 18, 2013

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Next Saturday there will be a program on "How to Keep Yourself Safe and the Bears Out of Trouble" at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area's Bandy Creek Campground. The evening program about black bears will be held at the Bandy Creek Campfire Circle on Saturday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

People of all ages can learn how to keep safe in bear habitat of Big South Fork and the surrounding area and gain an understanding of how human behavior can impact bear behavior. Visitors will learn what to do if they see a black bear, how to store food at a campsite, and how to "bear-proof" private property.

The Campfire Circle can be found by entering Bandy Creek Campground and turning left toward Area A. Across the road from the swimming pool parking lot, a trail leads to the Campfire Circle.

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


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Yahoo Falls Wildflower Hike Set For Saturday, March 30th

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Daniel Boone National Forest are pleased to announce a cooperative wildflower hike at Yahoo Falls on Saturday, March 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. The Yahoo Falls area provides a stunning variety of spring flowers on a short, moderate hiking trail. In addition to wildflowers, spectacular scenery is provided by 113 foot tall Yahoo Falls, towering sandstone cliffs, a huge rock shelter, and an outstanding overlook of the Big South Fork River. The hike will be led by National Park Service and U. S. Forest Service Rangers and local volunteers. The Yahoo Falls picnic area is accessed from Highway 700, west of Whitley City, Kentucky.

The Yahoo Falls site was originally developed by the U.S. Forest Service in the mid-1960s when the area was known as the Cumberland National Forest. The forest was renamed the Daniel Boone National Forest in 1968. The land was transferred to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Big South Fork NRRA in 1987. The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service share a long history of cooperation in providing opportunities for the citizens of our nation to learn about and enjoy the resources held in trust for the American people by the two agencies.

For further information, contact Big South Fork's Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Visitor Use Surveys at Big South Fork

Saturday, September 1, 2012

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Obed Wild and Scenic River have arranged for a visitor use survey to be done in each park during September. The surveys will provide information that will help determine where park visitors are coming from, what people like to do when they come to a park, what are visitors' opinions about park facilities and interpretive programs, and what park features and qualities are most important to visitors.

The surveys are entirely voluntary and anonymous and will be distributed to a random sample of visitors during a seven day period. The questionnaires are already stamped and addressed, and visitors can fill out the questionnaires at their leisure and mail them to the University of Idaho for processing. A report of the findings will be compiled and made available on the parks' webpages (www.nps.gov/biso and www.nps.gov/obed).

The visitor use survey at Big South Fork will be conducted September 4 through September 10, and the survey at the Obed will be conducted from September 11 through September 17.

Please call either the Big South Fork at (423) 569-9778 or the Obed at (423) 346-6294 if you have any questions.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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YCC Crew Finishes Their 2012 Assignment in BSF

Friday, August 17, 2012

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This past summer, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA) received funding for a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew to help with performing trail maintenance activities within the Big South Fork area. A crew of eight students from one of the local high schools (Alvin C. York Agriculture Institute) was selected for the project.

The project was set up to perform a wide range of trail maintenance activities such as repair and replacement of water bars to prevent soil loss and erosion along trail routes; repair, painting and installation of trail signs; and rehabilitation and leveling of trail tread to make smooth, sure footing for trail users. Clearing of overhanging limbs and overgrown vegetation along the trails was also accomplished.

The YCC crew was also responsible for cleaning and repainting the Honey Creek Overlook which had been recently vandalized. Their efforts helped support a quality visitor experience at this popular location.

"We at Big South Fork NRRA are very happy to have had such a hard working crew of young people to help with all these projects, and the accomplishments they completed are something to be proud of," said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Public Invited to Meeting to Discuss Transportation and Recreational Access in Big South Fork

Thursday, August 9, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will host a meeting with park managers, transportation experts and the public to discuss opportunities for improving all forms of access in the park. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (EDT), at the park headquarters building, 4564 Leatherwood Road in Oneida, TN.

Transportation experts from the National Park Service's Alternative Transportation Program will be in the park throughout the last week of August to assess the park's transportation infrastructure and provide recommendations on how to improve transportation connections between the historic train, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horseback rides, hiking, and private automobiles. The meeting will provide the opportunity for the public to share their ideas for improving recreational access in the park.

Superintendent Niki S. Nicholas said, "I am pleased we have the occasion to bring together community members and transportation experts for an informal discussion on ways to improve transportation in the park. The best ideas always come from this kind of exchange, and I am looking forward to the conversation. There are so many wonderful places to explore in the Big South Fork and it is important that the National Park Service provides safe, environmental responsible access to these treasured spots."

There is no charge for this event.


Jeff
Hiking Trails in Smoky Mountains National Park
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Expanded Shared Use on Grand Gap Loop Trail in BSF

Friday, June 8, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announced yesterday that the Grand Gap Loop Trail is now open for shared use by hikers and mountain bikers every day. The trail provides spectacular views of geological formations and the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The trail had previously been open for use by mountain bikes only Monday thru Friday. Opening the trail to use seven days a week will increase the opportunity for bikers to enjoy this beautiful route.

There are several ways to enjoy the Grand Gap Loop Trail. Except for a few moderately technical sections, the 6.4 mile loop is mostly flat, smooth single track. The trail is alongside several rock shelters and cliff line overlooks of the river. Bikers can also take John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to Station Camp area which is a 7.5 mile extension of the Grand Gap northward. This single track trail is flat, smooth and flows well. It connects to Duncan Hollow Road.

There are two popular options for riding both Grand Gap and John Muir Trail. For an 18 mile ride, park your vehicle at the intersection of Duncan Hollow and Alfred Smith Roads (no facilities). Ride 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to Grand Gap. Ride Grand Gap, then continue north on the John Muir Trail and return to your vehicle via Duncan Hollow Road.

For a 28 mile out and back single track ride, drive 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to a small trailhead parking lot at the Grand Gap Loop-Alfred Smith Road intersection. Begin by riding Grand Gap Loop and then the John Muir Trail to its northern end. Turn around and return to the trailhead.

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


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Prescribed Fires to Begin in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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During the next 6 - 8 weeks, National Park Service fire crews will be conducting a series of prescribed fires within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The prescribed fires, as defined in the Fire Management Plan, will all be located within the boundaries of the park. Plans call for burns of varying size to occur at locations in Tennessee.

Through years of scientific research it has been learned that fire is an essential, natural process. It has helped shape our woodlands for thousands of years, and is important for the survival of many plants and animals. Fires removes the layers of dead and down trees, leaves and other vegetation from the forest floor that can inhibit plant growth and recycles the nutrients back in to the environment. Fire also increases the diversity of plant and wildlife habitat. Some plants, such as American Chaffseed, have disappeared from the park because they need fire to reproduce.

In 2004 the Big South Fork NNRA completed a Fire Management Plan and began a long term project to restore the role of fire in the ecosystem. The park uses prescribed fires to reintroduce fire into the natural landscape. These prescribed fires are ignited by park staff only when weather conditions are most likely to recreate the low intensity fires that have occurred naturally in this region for thousands of years. Four units are scheduled for prescribed fire this year.

* The Darrow Ridge East Project is located along the western edge of the park in Fentress County TN. The project encompasses approximately 520 acres of land along the park boundary near the Timber Ridge Horse Camp.

* The Gobblers Knob B-1 Project is located in the Northwestern area of the park in Scott County TN. The project encompasses approximately 531 acres of land along the park boundary near the intersection of Divide Road and Terry Cemetery Road.

* The Gobblers Knob B - 2 Project is located in the Northwestern area of the park in Scott County TN. The project encompasses approximately 821 acres of land along the park boundary near the Terry Cemetery.

* The Burke Place Project is located along Highway 297 in Scott County TN just east of the Scott/Fentress County line. The project includes 8 Grass Fields encompassing a total of approximately 27.5 acres.

Ignitions are scheduled to occur in February, March and April. Only when the weather and other conditions meet the defined prescription will the fires be ignited. Ignitions will not occur every day.

In addition to meeting specific conditions, crews of up to 25 firefighters and several engines will be on hand for each burn. Any park neighbor who may be impacted will be contacted prior to ignition. During a prescribed burn all roads and trails in the burn area will be temporarily closed for visitor safety.

You may contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 423-286-7275 for the latest information on the current status of the prescribed burns and associated closures.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Reward Offered for Information Concerning Death of Black Bear in BSF

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Superintendent Niki Nicholas announced today that a $500 reward is being offered to anyone that provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the illegal killing of a black bear in the Big South Fork NRRA. The adult female bear was left in the woods and found by local hunters on Thanksgiving Day. There is no legal hunting season for bears in the Big South Fork NRRA or any lands surrounding the National Area.

The bear is believed to be the same female with two cubs that had been frequently seen in the same general area by many visitors to the park. The cubs are helpless without their mother and are not likely to survive due to their age. This poaching incident has essentially caused the death of three bears.

Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to call the National Area at (423) 569-9778 or use the tip line number at (423) 569-2404, extension 505.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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