Big South Fork National River and Recreation
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Big South Fork to Conduct Guided Hikes

Friday, April 25, 2014

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be conducting a series of wildflower and birding guided walks as part of the McCreary County, Kentucky, Tourism Commission's Wildflower Discovery Weekend. A number of state and federal agencies as well as volunteers will be working with the McCreary County Tourism Commission to provide a series of talks and walks around the county on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. Pre-registration is required and group size is limited.

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Daniel Boone National Forest will be conducting wildflower walks at Yahoo Falls on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. Walks are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on both days. The hikes will begin at the Yahoo Falls Picnic Area. 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. These walks will be conducted by National Park Service Ranger Howard Duncan and U. S. Forest Service Ranger Laurie Smith. The Yahoo Falls area is accessed from Highway 700, west of Whitley City, Kentucky.

National Park Service volunteer Chuck Nicholson will be conducting a birding walk on Friday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Big South Fork at the Blue Heron Mining Community. Dr. Nicholson is an environmental scientist with the Tennessee Valley Authority and past president of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Take this opportunity to share in his abundant knowledge of the rich and diverse bird population in the Big South Fork. Blue Heron is accessed by following signs from U.S. 27 to Hwy. 92 west and then turning on 1651 south. Watch for signs to Blue Heron. Turn onto Hwy. 742 (Mine 18 Road) which ends at the Blue Heron Mining Community.

National Park Service Ranger Dave Carney will lead a hike at the Blue Heron Mining Community on Saturday, May 3, entitled "Myth, Magic and Medicine". The walk will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m. and will meet at the Blue Heron Mining Community. This easy walk will explore the diverse plant community along the banks of the Big South Fork River. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the folklore surrounding local plants and the many ways that people in earlier times utilized plants for food and medicine. Blue Heron is accessed by following signs from U.S. 27 to Hwy. 92 west and then turning on 1651 south. Watch for signs to Blue Heron. Turn onto Mine 18 Road (Hwy. 742) which ends at the Blue Heron Mining Community.

For further information about the Wildflower Discovery Weekend, contact Tara Chaney of the McCreary County Tourism Commission at (606) 376-3008 or visit the website at www.mccrearytourism.com. To see the complete schedule of talks and hikes and to register for the events go to: http://www.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2139004989.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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New Trails Volunteer Program Unveiled at the Big South Fork

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has started a new volunteer activity called the Trail Keepers program for people who love the park's trails and want to help take care of them. The goal of the program is to provide an extended presence in the backcountry and at the same time provide the Big South Fork's staff with information on trail conditions and issues.

People who adopt a particular trail are expected to hike that designated trail at least four times during the calendar year, report on overall trail conditions, pick up any trash, and submit a trail condition report after each hike. Being a Trail Keeper does not involve heavy trail maintenance or the use of any kind of power equipment. Trail Keepers may use a small handsaw to cut out small trees that are down across the trail and may move branches and do light maintenance by hand.

The program is being launched first for the trails in the Kentucky side of the park but eventually will be available for every trail in the Big South Fork.

"There are so many people who love to hike, bike, and ride the trails at the Big South Fork.With more than 400 miles of trails to take care of, we think this program will be a great way to have folks who have a special interest in a particular trail help the Park Service keep it in great shape," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, park superintendent.

To learn more about the Big South Fork Trail Keeper program, please click here, or call Effie Houston, the park's volunteer coordinator, at (423) 569-9778.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Evening Black Bear Program at Bandy Creek Campground Next Saturday

Friday, June 7, 2013

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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 on Saturday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). The evening program will be held at the Bandy Creek campfire circle.

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 camp site, 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
Hiking in the Smokies
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