Horse Back Riding on the trails of the Big South Fork

Horseback riding at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has become one of the most popular activities at Big South Fork. This information is designed to help you have a safe and enjoyable visit to the area.
To provide access to many of the area’s scenic features, there are over 180 miles of horse trails available throughout the Big South Fork. These horse trails are all signed and marked with a white blaze and yellow horse head. The trails vary in both length and degree of difficulty. They range from short, easy day rides to long and strenuous loops that may take several days to complete. Due to the extensive network of trails, horseback riders are advised to purchase a Trails Illustrated map.

In an effort to make the trail system more user friendly for the wide variety of users at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area the park is implementing a new system of trailhead and trail markings.

River Gauges

The United States Geological Survey maintains three river gauges in and around the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Leatherwood Ford gauge is located at the Leatherwood Ford Day Use Area off Highway 297. Most river descriptions are based on flow readings from this location.

Clear Fork gauge is located on the Clear Fork River just below Burnt Mill Bridge. The Clear Fork River is a major tributary to the Big South Fork and changes in flow rates here will affect the Big South Fork River.

New River gauge is located just outside the Big South Fork boundaries on the New River just below the Highway 27 bridge. New River is a major tributary to the Big South Fork and changes in flow rates here will affect the Big South Fork River.

The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its main tributaries, the Clear Fork, North White Oak and New River offer visitors a variety of whitewater paddling opportunities. While on the river you may still see the results of previous agricultural, mining and logging practices, the land today has a quality of wildness with limited access and sparse development.

Mountain Biking at The Big South Fork National Rive and Recreation Area

Mountain bike riding has become one of the more popular recreational activities enjoyed by visitors to Big South Fork.

Currently at Big South Fork there are several trails which have been designed, built and are maintained by the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club. In addition to bike only trails, mountain bikes are allowed on highway edges, backcountry roads and horse trails. This combination provides bikers of all skill levels with miles of trail options.

Back Packing and Hiking on the Big South Fork

Hiking in Big South Fork is one of the most popular and rewarding activities within the park. Big South Fork has a large system of trails designed to take you away from your vehicle and into the very heart of park.

Within the trail system there are a full range of opportunities available, from a short easy hike along the Big South Fork River to long and strenuous multiple day hikes. There is even a section of the John Muir National Recreation Trail which passes through the park.