Discover Scott

02/20/2026

The Big South Fork is a spring wildflower haven!

Every spring, the rugged gorges and forested hollows of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA) transform into one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the southern Appalachians. Spanning roughly 125,000 acres of sandstone bluffs, hemlock-shaded ravines, and rich botto...

02/06/2026

https://www.discoverscott.com/main/blog/early-spring-hiking-in-the-big-south-fork/

Nestled along the Tennessee-Kentucky border, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area awakens each spring with a subtle magic that seasoned hikers have learned to cherish. While summer draws crowds to the gorges and fall paints the plateau in brilliant colors, early spring offers something....

01/09/2026

Winter is a great time to gas up and hit the trails of the North Cumberland WMA!

When most off-road enthusiasts think about winter, they imagine their ATVs hibernating in the garage until spring. But riders who know the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area understand that winter transforms this Tennessee mountain paradise into an entirely different adventure. Spanning nearl...

10/10/2025

There's magic to October in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area!

There’s a magic to October in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — a transformation that sweeps across the sandstone bluffs and hardwood ridges, turning the rugged Cumberland Plateau into a patchwork quilt of crimson, gold, and amber. The forest canopy, dense and wild through th...

10/02/2025

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Update

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

09/23/2025

🎶🍂 Heritage Festival at Scott High School! 🍂🎶

The Museum of Scott County and Scott High School invite you to celebrate our rich history and vibrant community at the Heritage Festival!

📅 Saturday, September 27th
🕚 11 AM – 5 PM
📍 400 Scott High Drive, Huntsville

✨ What’s waiting for you:

🎤 Live music across 3 stages

🛠️ Skilled demonstrators bringing history to life

🛍️ Local vendors & more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience history, culture, and community all in one place. Don’t miss it!

09/19/2025

Haunting in the Hills this weekend!
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

The 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills returns Saturday, September 20, at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The day begins at 10:00 AM (ET) with family activities, music, and cultural demonstrations, then carries on with performances throughout the afternoon before closing with stories under the stars.

Admission is free, and the day offers something for all ages, from lively tales and live music to traditions that celebrate the region’s culture.

Get the full story and schedule of events here:
https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/the-33rd-annual-haunting-in-the-hills-storytelling-festival-schedule-of-events-announced.htm

Image: Storytellers share music and tales on stage during a previous Haunting in the Hills event at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

09/16/2025

Guided Bird Walk this weekend beginning at Bandy Creek- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Kick off the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival with a Guided Bird Walk led by Dr. Chuck Nicholson!

• Saturday, September 20 | 8:00 AM (ET)
• Meet at the Bandy Creek swimming pool, Big South Fork NRRA
• Free, no registration needed

With over 35 years of birding experience in the Big South Fork, Dr. Nicholson will help you spot local species and share his knowledge on the area’s birdlife. This easy walk is open to all ages and offers a great way to start the day.

NPS Graphic

08/29/2025

The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is home to many spectacular natural features, none more remarkable than its massive bridges of stone that have been charged by time and erosion.

The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, stretching across nearly 125,000 acres of southeastern Kentucky and north-central Tennessee, is a land of sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and quiet, rugged wilderness. Among its most remarkable natural features are the arches—massive bridges of s...

08/01/2025

Nestled on the Cumberland Plateau spanning northeast Tennessee and extending into Kentucky, this 125,000‑acre park features dramatic sandstone gorges, sweeping blufftop views, natural arches, and nearly 300 miles of multi‑use trails.

Late‑summer in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area delivers a sublime mountain biking experience, especially as the heat of July transitions into cooler, more inviting August days. Nestled on the Cumberland Plateau spanning northeast Tennessee and extending into Kentucky, this 125,...

07/25/2025

From towering arches to hidden waterfalls, we’ve rounded up the Top 5 hiking trails in Big South Fork you don’t want to miss before fall sets in.

Late summer brings warm days and fewer crowds—perfect for exploring Big South Fork’s dramatic gorges, sandstone arches, waterfalls, and lush forests. Here are the top five trails to enjoy before fall kicks in: 1. Twin Arches Loop (Upper + Lower) Distance: ~5.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate (som...