Operating Hours
Open year-round.

Visitation
Highest June to August and during the month of October.

Permits
Backcountry permits are issued on a voluntary basis. Reservations for concessionaire services are recommended.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: 2 visitor centers offer information, backcountry permits, book sales. Bandy Creek Visitor Center (TN) is located in 15 miles west of Oneida off TN 297. Kentucky Visitor Center (KY) is in Stearns on KY 92. The Bandy Creek Visitor Center is open year-round. The Kentucky Visitor Center is open May - October; hours may vary November through April.

Programs: Summer evening programs Saturday night from Memorial Day through September. Special events throughout the year including Pioneer Encampments, Astronomy Programs and Storytelling Festival.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: Local restaurants and grocery stories in all surrounding communities.

Concessions: Eastern National bookstores are located in the Bandy Creek and Kentucky Visitor Centers and at the Blue Heron Mining Community. Bandy Creek Stables offers long and short term boarding. Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers train excursions from Stearns, KY, into the Blue Heron Mining Community. Commercial Use Licensees offer a wide range of services within the Big South Fork ranging from whitewater raft trips to canoe rental to horseback trips or bike rental.

Visitor Impact
High water during the spring may cause flooding; use caution when crossing rivers on foot or horseback. Hunting is allowed within the recreation area; visitors should check with the Visitor Centers concerning seasons and wear "hunter orange" while in the backcountry during hunting season.

Additional Information
Write Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Park Headquarters, 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841, call (931) 879-3625.