Big South Fork of the Cumberland

Location: In the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee (about 50 miles northwest of Knoxville).

Length of trips: 11 miles in one day; 25 miles in two days; 42 miles in two or three days.

Season: April through June. The water flow usually peaks in April and May.

Weather: Moist air from the Gulf of Mexico keeps the area warm and humid in spring. Temperatures in April range from the 40s to the 60s (F), in May from the 50s to the 70s, and in June from the 50s to the 80s. Copperheads and rattlesnakes have occasionally been seen in the water, but they usually stay on land. Bugs can be pesky, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Campgrounds, backcountry camping, Charit Creek Lodge in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and several resorts and B&Bs nearby.

Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II, III, and IV. The water is relatively clear after several days without rain.

Special features:

  • Cuts a gorge to depths of several hundred feet through the ancient sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau.
  • Thick forests of river birch, black cherry, and willow draped in muscadine, trumpet vine, and poison ivy.
  • Numerous Indian cliff dwellings beneath canyon rims.
  • Good fishing (smallmouth bass, rock bass, bream, catfish, sunfish, walleye).
  • White-tailed deer, boars, beavers, turtles, wild turkeys, great blue herons, bald eagles.
  • Excellent hiking.
  • Suitable for first-time rafters, experienced river runners, families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Big South Fork Scenic Railway.
  • Blue Heron Mining Community.
  • Historic Rugby.
  • Sergeant York Mill.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 5602 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, Tennessee 37841; +1 423 569 9778, fax +1 423 569 5505. You don’t need to make reservations in advance.

For more information:

  • Big South Fork story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, January/February 1994. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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