Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

11/01/2026

Cactus Fire Update for October 31, 2026
The Cactus Fire, located in Fentress County is currently estimated at 220 acres and 50% containment. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire. No homes are threatened at this time. All temporary closures previously mentioned are still in effect.

10/31/2026

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.

10/30/2026

A wildfire was reported on October 29 in the area of Darrow Ridge Road in the vicinity of Cactus Rock, in Jamestown, Tennessee. The size of the fire is currently approximately 10 acres. No homes are threatened at this time. In the interest of safety, visitors are asked to avoid the area and give firefighters the space needed to conduct their work. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

10/28/2026

Hike to Split Bow Arch and discover some of the plants that call Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area home!

Join a park ranger on Sunday, November 1, at 2 PM (ET) at the Bear Creek Trailhead in Kentucky for a 1.2-mile round-trip hike. Along the way, learn about the nuts, berries, and leaves that bring vibrant colors to the fall season.

Bring along items such as water, snacks, and bug spray for a comfortable walk.

For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=C673BD33-E0EA-DEC9-7C2BF765190CBFCE.

Worth 6 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the GO BIG 2026 Challenge, go to https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

10/27/2026

Pull up a rocking chair with a park ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area!

Every Friday in October at 2:00 PM ET, join a park ranger for a porch talk at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

These 15–20-minute talks will cover a variety of topics that change each week, including local wildlife, Appalachian culture, park history, hiking tips, and more. Whether you're visiting Big South Fork for the first time or have been exploring the park for years, there's always something new to discover.

For more information, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Immerse yourself in Big South Fork's rich history by visiting the Oscar Blevins Farm. On Saturday, October 31, anytime between 11:00 and 2:00 PM ET, enjoy a self-paced hike on the Oscar Blevins Trail as part of the “Time on the Trail” program. A park ranger will be available on the front porch of the Oscar Blevins house talking about farm life and the story of one of the first European American families to live in the area.

The Oscar Blevins Loop Trail starts at the Bandy Creek Trailhead and is an easy 4-mile loop hike or a section hike of 2 miles to the farm site. For more info, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E78FC89E-EC2E-DAED-C5D4E18C422245B9.

Program is worth 5 GO BIG points. To learn more about the GO BIG Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Photo credit: NPS

10/25/2026

Gather 'round--Appalachian tales come to life with a special guest storyteller at Blue Heron!

Join us at the Blue Heron Interpretive Center in Kentucky on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:45 AM ET for a special guest performance by a skilled local storyteller, Lounicia Hughett! Come be a part of a tradition passed down through generations on the Cumberland Plateau!

Lounicia Hughett is a long-time educator, having 30+ years in the classroom and has always been interested in literature and folk tales. She became interested in being a storyteller during her service as Teacher Ranger at Big South Fork. Since that time, she has performed at several storytelling events at Big South Fork and other venues. Lounicia is married to Rev. Don Hughett and is active in the church where he is pastor. They have 3 grown children, Micah, Jordan, and Jacob, who are all in the education field in some capacity. Lounicia also enjoys her role as grandmother to three beautiful grandkids. Lounicia loves to tell folk tales and stories that have been passed down through her family. She encourages everyone to be a storyteller and keep oral traditions alive.

This special event is made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation.

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E8770F99-C405-3060-ACA44E2A1E6AE895.

Photo credit: NPS

10/22/2026

Take a closer look at the roots of Blue Heron!

Join us at the Blue Heron Visitor Center in Kentucky on Sunday, October 25, at 1:30 PM (ET) for “Roots of Blue Heron”, a 30-minute program taking a closer look at the plants growing throughout the area. Learn about native and non-native plants, how they impact our environment, and enjoy coloring pictures of some of our native flowers currently in bloom. All ages are welcome!

For more information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=E861DB3F-D771-4ECC-3E11D5D8618C79D6.

Attendance is worth 5 GO BIG Points. To learn more about the Go Big Challenge, visit https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/big-south-fork-go-big-challenge.htm.

Graphic credit: NPS