Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

08/31/2026

What was life like in a bustling coal mining town?

Join a park ranger on Sunday, September 6, at 1:30 PM ET at Blue Heron Visitor Center for a guided walking tour of the historic coal mining town. Explore the remaining structures, visit Mine 18, and walk beneath the tipple bridge as you learn about the community's history.

Dress for warm temperatures and bring along items such as water, snacks, and bug spray for a comfortable walk.

For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=14632B61-E343-7693-8D0E0431C2206AE2.

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Pull up a rocking chair with a park ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area!

Every Friday in September at 2:00 PM ET, join a park ranger for a porch talk at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

These 15–20-minute talks will cover a variety of topics that change each week, including local wildlife, Appalachian culture, park history, hiking tips, and more. Whether you're visiting Big South Fork for the first time or have been exploring the park for years, there's always something new to discover.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

08/30/2026

From Appalachian storytelling traditions to some of the darkest skies in the East, learn about the people, places, and traditions that make Big South Fork special. Join a park ranger for an evening program at Bandy Creek Campground on Friday, September 4, at 7:30 PM ET. Program will be held at the Campfire Circle across from the swimming pool parking lot.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo: NPS

08/29/2026

Join us at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center this August for 'Critter Corner', offered Saturdays from 9–5 and Sundays from 12–5! Kids and adults alike can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring activities, and chat with a ranger about the wildlife of Big South Fork. It’s a fun and hands-on way to learn about the critters that call the park home.

For more information, please visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

08/28/2026

Stop by Bandy Creek Visitor Center on Saturday, August 29, at 2 PM ET for a Reading Ranger Program with park staff featuring a storybook reading and a fun craft activity for kids.

This is one of several family programs being offered this summer at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. The program is recommended for younger children, though all are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

For more information, please visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

08/27/2026

Join us this weekend and create your very own traditional rag doll--a hands-on craft with a story to tell!

Bring history to life as you create your very own traditional rag doll with park staff at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky. Demonstrations will be offered twice on Saturday at 12:45 PM and 4:15 PM ET.

For more information, please visit the park calendar at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

08/27/2026

Blue Heron Campground Will Remain Open During 2026-2027 Winter Season to Determine Visitation Demand

Oneida, Tennessee: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will leave open Blue Heron Campground, located in Kentucky this coming winter season (December 2026 – March 2027). This pilot project will provide the park an opportunity to determine if there is sufficient winter demand to keep the campground open year-round.

With shifting weather and visitation patterns, Blue Heron Campground remaining open year-round will provide visitors with continued access to camping opportunities in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork NRRA. “This change will support winter recreation, improve visitor access to the Blue Heron area, and offer campers a quieter seasonal experience near trails, historic sites, river access, and scenic overlooks, said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.

Reservations for all park campgrounds can be made at www.Recreation.gov or 877-833-6777. For more information, please contact the park at 423-569-9778.

08/26/2026

From Appalachian storytelling traditions to some of the darkest skies in the East, learn about the people, places, and traditions that make Big South Fork special. Join a park ranger for an evening program at Bandy Creek Campground on Friday, August 29, at 7:30 PM ET. Program will be held at the Campfire Circle across from the swimming pool parking lot.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo: NPS

08/26/2026

Have you ever wondered what the bugs buzzing around your house are up to?

Join a park ranger at Bandy Creek Visitor Center on Saturday, August 29, at 10 AM ET for a talk on local pollinators and how we can best support them. Come and learn about local species and how to encourage pollinators in your home gardens! This 40-minute program will at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center theater.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=36217D20-BA69-D349-76A24088E89D4E93

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://cms.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: H. Bradburn / NPS