Discover Scott

08/09/2024

In accordance with Title 54, United States Code, Section 100753, the superintendent has authorized the collection of firewood downed during recent storms at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area along Divide Road and Fork Ridge Road during the months of August and September of 2024. It is in the best interest of the Federal Government to get rid of the excess wood caused by the multiple summer storms of 2024 in a safe and orderly fashion.

Rules for collection

- Wood can be collected in daylight hours only.
- A maximum of one cord of wood per individual per week can be collected. A cord is defined as a stack of wood 4 feet high by 4 feet wide and 8 feet long.
- A FREE permit must be obtained before collecting wood. Permits are available free of charge at either Bandy Creek Visitor Center or from Park Headquarters. The permit is good for 30 days.
- Wood is for personal use only, no commercial sale of wood.
- Chainsaw use is not permitted. No cutting of wood, collection only.
- Vehicles must be out of the roadway and in a safe area that does not cause damage to the area.
- The permit must be with you while collecting wood and you will be subject to the verification of the permit upon request.

https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/temporary-authorization-to-collect-firewood-downed-from-recent-storms-at-big-south-fork.htm

06/27/2024

Trail Updates from Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Big South Fork Continues to Reopen Areas Affected by Recent Storm

Work crews continue to clear roads and trails of hazardous trees from the major weather event on May 26 at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

Due to safety concerns, some trails are still closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic due to extensive tree damage. Please use the following link for the latest:

https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/big-south-fork-continues-to-reopen-areas-affected-by-recent-storm.htm

06/21/2024

The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area continues to recover from the Memorial Day weekend severe thunderstorm that caused significant damage in the Divide Road area.

BANDY CREEK  |  The Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area announced Friday that some roads and trails impacted by severe thunderstorms on May 26 have been reopened. Others, however, remain closed. Divide Road has been reopened to its intersection with Fork Ridge Road, and Fork Ridge Ro...

06/21/2024

Stay Cool This Weekend!
Take a swim or splash!

06/12/2024

This weekend at the Helenwood Visitor Center - 12025 Scott Highway- Helenwood, TN

Stop by the Helenwood Visitor Center for a Reading Ranger Program on Sunday, June 16th to read the featured story, "Sleepy Bears," by Mem Fox and learn about constellations and stargazing. A fun craft activity will follow the book reading.

This is one of several programs that will be hosted this summer at the Helenwood Visitor Center, located at 12025 Scott Hwy in Helenwood, TN. This program is recommended for aspiring Junior Rangers and kids 12 & under but is open to all who wish to participate. No sign up required. This program will begin at 2:00pm ET.

Photo credit: NPS

06/10/2024

Come to visit. Come to explore. Come to stay. ❤️ We are the Adventure Tourism Capital of Tennessee™!

06/10/2024

Our bike trails are EPIC! Did you know that the Big South Fork is the nation's first national park to earn the International Mountain Biking Association's coveted "epic" designation? Come see why!

Learn More: http://www.discoverscott.com/main/things-to-do/mountain-biking/

Discover Scott County, TN — Home of the Big South Fork and the Cumberland Mountains. Come see why we're considered the Adventure Tourism Capital of Tennessee!

05/29/2024

A map of Big South Fork trails temporarily closed due to storm damage.

As National Park Service crews work to clear roads and trails from downed trees in the aftermath of severe thunderstorms on Sunday, May 26, a number of roads and trails are closed. According to the NPS, the following trails are closed: • Yellow Cliff Horse Trail• Salt Pine Ridge Horse Trail• S...

05/29/2024

Temporary Trail Closures

Temporary Trail Closures During Ongoing Storm Recovery

National Park Service work crews continue their work to clear roads and trails of numerous hazardous trees from the weather event on May 26. Due to safety concerns, the following trails are closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic due to extensive tree damage:

Yellow Cliff Horse Trail
Slave Falls Loop Trail
Twin Arches Hiking Trail
Middle Creek Nature Loop
Salt Pine Ridge Horse Trail
Gobbler's K**b Wagon Trail
Laurel Fork Creek Hiking Trail
Hatfield Ridge Multi-Use Trail
Station Camp Creek Horse Trail
Charit Creek Lodge Connector Trail
Duncan Hollow Bypass Trail [UPDATE May 31, 2024]

In addition, Divide Road, Fork Ridge Road, Twin Arches Road remain closed. Those areas will reopen when the area has been deemed safe for visitors.

These areas contain hazardous trees, including broken trees hung up by other vegetation. By entering closed areas individuals are endangering themselves and the work crews. Also, when people enter areas with crews, work must stop–causing delays in the reopening of roads and trails.

Do not enter closed areas. People entering closed areas may be ticketed by Law Enforcement Officers.

https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/temporary-trail-closure-during-ongoing-storm-recovery.htm

05/28/2024

Update from Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

05/25/2024

Another asset to the area — Rugby Cornet Band.

05/14/2024

This is the 50th anniversary of the Big South Fork. Half a century as one of the best-kept secrets in the eastern United States. Come see what this special place is all about!

03/18/2024

"This is a place you'll never forget."

01/24/2024

That sunrise ❤️🤗

01/05/2024

IT'S A PARTY, AND YOU'RE INVITED!

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is commemorating its first 50 years by sharing a year-long celebration in 2024. During this year, the park will celebrate those who have played a role in making this special place what it is today - YOU!

Big South Fork is planning a year of honoring the past, celebrating today, and planning for the future. “The story of Big South Fork is not finished. We are excited to engage with the community as we look forward to the next 50 years,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.

As the new year approaches, there is a lot in store, from the installation of dozens of brand new interpretive waysides and information boards found at trailheads, parking lots and other points of interest throughout the park, a completely overhauled official park map and guide, special events, ranger-led programs, and incredible social media content, just to name a few.

To commemorate this special year, be sure to stop by the visitor center to purchase your very own 50th anniversary merchandise! A special edition patch, pin, sticker, t-shirt, hiking medallion, coffee mug, and more have been designed just for this special year! These items won't last long. They are available only for a limited time!

Click here for more information: https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/big-south-fork-nrra-celebrates-50th-anniversary-in-2024.htm

10/20/2023

Fall has arrived in the Big South Fork!!🍁

09/18/2023

08/29/2023

This WEEKEND in Scott County!

08/05/2023

Come meet our new ranger, Jodi Potter, who’ll be at the Visitor Center here in Helenwood on US 27 each Friday-Saturday-Sunday 9-5. She’s answering questions about the Big South Fork Park and the neighboring area. And she’s from right here in Scott County. Welcome!

07/12/2023

A number of public roads in Scott County, TN are open to off-road vehicles…but there are some things you need to know, such as curfews and helmet requirements. Here’s the info in a nutshell…

There are a number of public roads in Scott County that are open to off-road traffic. However, certain conditions do apply. This is a guide to those streets and the conditions. On the map above, red routes are open to ATVs during daylight hours, any day of the year. The blue route is open to ATVs du...

07/11/2023

Wondering what snakes you might encounter on your visit to Big South Fork or Brimstone? Here's a look at them...

Snakes. There is perhaps no wild animal that strikes more fear in the hearts of humans than these misunderstood, legless creatures that slither along the forest floor. Maybe the fear and distrust stems from the snake’s role in the Bible — it was the serpent that tempted Eve to eat the fruit of t...

07/07/2023

Less than one month away!

2011 Scott County Fair Monday - Saturday August 22 - 27, 2011

07/07/2023

If you're in our neck of the woods, you're invited to the Huntsville Pool (3053 Baker Highway, Huntsville) for a free evening at the pool on July 18! From 6pm to 10pm. No admission charge. Concessions will be available for purchase. Lifeguards will be on duty.

07/07/2023

What's your favorite summer hike in ?

When the heat of summer sets in, and you still want to hit the trail, think cool: waterfalls, swimming holes and caves. Fortunately, we have plenty of all three in the heart of Big South Fork Country! Here are five cool hikes to try this summer: Burnt Mill Loop We’re partial to the Burnt Mill […...

03/20/2023

It is time to get out and explore!
Happy First Day of Spring.

Don't let the chilly temperatures fool you! Spring is here! A tell-tale sign of is an abundance of daffodils! No rain expected today, so get outside and enjoy them while they last.

03/06/2023

Please report any trees-blocking trails.

We have had some incredibly strong winds in the park recently and there are many trees down along trails.
Our trail crew is very busy trying to clear as many of these as possible. If you notice a tree down along a trail, let us know.
You can report it on our trail conditions hotline at 423-569-7302 or e-mail us at [email protected]

11/22/2022

Rugby has a lot planned here just off Highway 52. Check in out and get in a holiday mood!

Thanksgiving through December events, busy weekends! Almost here: Dec. 3 & 10, Christmas at Rugby! Dinner, Home Tours, Village festivities & more. Get dinner reservations by tomorrow Nov. 22 Historic

10/19/2022

Team work! Sarah Dunlap Joe Cross Stacey Swann Nichole Newport Marsha Swain Donika Morrow

Scott County undertakes video marketing effort A member of the PopFizz video production crew films Big South Fork Bike Club President Joe Cross along the Grand Gap Loop Trail. October 19, 2022 Category: News Share FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsApp The Scott County Chamber of Commerce has partnered wi...

10/18/2022

Better get out and enjoy these beautiful colors before there gone.🥾📷

09/22/2022

Bridge Closed on October 3, 2022 for inspection

Tennessee Department of Transportation will be inspecting O&W Bridge on October 10, 2022 (weather permitting). The inspection will require the use of a boom lift to view the upper parts of the truss. The bridge will be closed to vehicles 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET), but accessible by foot traffic if/when it is safe to do so. https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/o-w-bridge-inspection-scheduled-for-october-10-2022.htm