Discover Scott

10/31/2026

Please be aware

Temporary Closure of Trails and Areas Surrounding the Cactus Rock Fire

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1.5(a), authorized by Title 54, United States Code, Subsection 100751(a),
the superintendent has temporarily closed some trails and areas around the Cactus Rock Fire and Darrow Ridge Road. This closure is necessary to provide for visitor and fire personnel safety.

This closure will restrict all vehicle, horse and pedestrian traffic in the following areas:
• The Darrow Ridge Multi Use Trail east from where it intersects with the Tar Kiln Road and Multi Use Trail.
• Access to the Darrow Ridge Multi Use Trail at its intersection with the Proctor Ridge Horse Trail.
• Little Cliff Multi Use Trail at its intersection with O&W Horse Trail.
• Christian Cemetery Multi Use Trail at its intersection with O&W Horse Trail
• All of Upper Panther Branch Horse Trail.

The Cactus Rock Fire is an emerging incident currently burning within the boundary of Big South Fork NRRA in Fentress County. Fire personnel are actively engaged in assessment, suppression, and coordination efforts as the incident continues to develop. Visitors and personnel should expect limited access and changing closure conditions as the incident needs evolve.

This closure will begin at 2:45 pm ET on Friday, October 30, 2026 and will be lifted when the area is free from actively burning wildfire and the associated firefighting efforts.

10/16/2026

There are few better ways to experience autumn in Scott County than to roll down the windows, turn off the radio and take a leisurely drive along the historic O&W Road into the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

There are few better ways to experience autumn in Scott County than to roll down the windows, turn off the radio and take a leisurely drive along the historic O&W Road into the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The O&W Road is a journey into the past, a winding passage through hardwoo...

10/09/2026

There are few better ways to experience autumn in the Big South Fork than from the back of a horse. As October draws to a close, the rugged landscape of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area takes on a different personality. The summer crowds have thinned, the air has turned crisp, and the hardwood forests are alive with the final brilliant colors of fall.

There are few better ways to experience autumn in the Big South Fork than from the back of a horse. As October draws to a close, the rugged landscape of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area takes on a different personality. The summer crowds have thinned, the air has turned crisp, and...

10/05/2026

Want to go horseback riding in our neck of the woods?
Contact Southeast Pack Trips to plan your adventure.

Feeling too nervous to ride? We hear you.

Our patient guides and gentle Tennessee Walkers make first-timers feel safe and confident.

🐴 Call (931) 879-2260

10/02/2026

There are places where fall is something you see through the windshield. At Brimstone Recreation, it is something you ride straight into.

There are places where fall is something you see through the windshield. At Brimstone Recreation, it is something you ride straight into. By October, the mountains surrounding Huntsville have begun their annual transformation. Summer’s deep greens give way to red, orange and gold, cooler air settl...

09/23/2026

How about a weekend getaway?

We’ve got room!

Cooler temperatures are headed our way this weekend, and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is calling.

Pack a bag. Bring your hiking shoes. Find a place to stay, grab a bite at one of our local restaurants, and spend a little time exploring Scott County.

You don’t have to go far to get away.

Come Discover Scott this weekend.
discoverscott.com

09/22/2026

While you’re out Discovering Scott this Saturday, make sure the Museum of Scott County Heritage Festival is one of your stops!

Spend the day celebrating the people, traditions, music, crafts, and stories that make Scott County home. There will be authentic demonstrations, live music, food and craft vendors, a pageant, and even a Vol Watch!

Saturday, September 26
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
400 Scott High Drive, Huntsville
Free parking and admission

Come enjoy a little fall, a little history, and a whole lot of Scott County.

Discover Scott. Discover our heritage. Discover home.

09/19/2026

from sunrise to sunset, adventure awaits 🌲🐻⛰️

09/19/2026

It’s a BIG Saturday in Scott County!

Today is the 34th Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Head out to Bandy Creek for a full day of storytelling, live music, arts and crafts, demonstrations, food vendors and Appalachian culture. The festival is free and runs throughout the day, with storytelling continuing into the evening.

And while we’re celebrating things that are uniquely Scott County, congratulations to Big South Fork Brewing on its ONE-YEAR anniversary — and on a pretty special milestone for our community. They’re celebrating by tapping a keg of b**r brewed right here in Scott County.

From preserving the stories and traditions of our mountains to watching new local businesses create their own Scott County story, there is a whole lot to celebrate right here at home this weekend.
Get out. Explore. Support local. And enjoy Scott County!



Photo Credits- Big South Fork NPS & Independent Herald

09/11/2026

There are plenty of ways to experience Appalachian culture in Scott County, but few bring the past to life quite like the annual Heritage Festival at the Museum of Scott County. Held each year on the last Saturday of September on the campus of Scott High School in Huntsville, the Heritage Festival t...