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The free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries
pass through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range
of natural and historic features. The area offers a broad range of recreational
opportunities including camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing,
hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, with its experience in managing river basins, was
charged with land acquisition, planning and development of facilities. Now
completed, these lands and facilities are operated and maintained by the
National Park Service for the benefit and use of the public.
On a calm day you'll see green to blue-green water flowing lazily towards
Kentucky. On a rainy spring or summer day the river becomes a torrent of
muddy soil and rock. Seasonal changes in the river's character are accompanied
by changes on land: Summer brings warm lazy days on both the plateaus and
in the gorge. The cool laurel-laden ravines help to break the heat on warmer
days. From any of the many vistas, the panorama of fall color will take
your breath away. The winter will give you snow to leave your footprints
in and cascades of iced waterfalls to see the sun's prisms of color. Let's
not forget the spring with its profusion of wildflowers and rain that awakens
the river in the gorge
he Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its main tributaries, the
Clear Fork, North White Oak and the New River, lure fishermen, swimmers
and paddlers. They are excellent for a variety of whitewater paddling experiences.
Some stretches are ideal for beginners, while other sections should be attempted
only by highly skilled paddlers using sophisticated equipment. Some streams
in the National Area can be floated during any season of the year while
others have enough water for boating only during seasons with sufficient
rainfall. A heavy rain can turn a placid river into a torrent not to be
entered by anyone.
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