The Best Kept Secret of the Cumberlands

We can’t give you the whole world…just the best parts.

Sunrise from a front porch swing on a crisp fall morning— A myriad of wildflowers blanketing a hilltop— A blazing carpet of fall colors beneath a clear blue sky— A relaxing train ride through the wondrous outdoors. Stepping back in history to a simpler time. Catching the granddaddy of the one that got away. The gentle mist of a cascading waterfall cooling your face. Sunlight dancing on a crystal stream.

Take any road, any path…you won’t be disappointed. Big South Fork Country offers vistas that will inspire you…rivers and streams that will relax you…forest trails that are un-crowded…and friendly people to welcome you. Whether you spend a day or a week, you’ll leave refreshed and rejuvenated, with a treasure of memories to last until you return…again and again.

You won’t believe the wealth of sheer natural beauty in Big South fork Country. Come see a moon bow at Cumberland Falls, the most impressive eastern waterfall next to Niagara. Try a breathtaking raft ride on the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Escape to that perfect camping or cabin getaway at Pickett State Rustic Park. Take a wildflower walk at Frozen Head State Park. Search out one of the souths most spectacular natural arches in Daniel Boone National Forest. Take a stroll on one of the many scenic trails that surround the waters of Lake Cumberland. Catch a whopper or watch an eagle on beautiful Dale Hollow Lake. Venture behind a 60-foot waterfall at Colditz Cove Natural Area or find that trophy deer or turkey at Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. Travel by horseback on more than 200 miles of premier equestrian trails in the Big South Fork or go backpacking on the John Muir Trail. The Friends of the Big South Fork’s own Visitor’s Center can tell you how to do all of this and more.

And while you’re experiencing the great outdoors, don’t miss our special places where history lives. Places like Historic Rugby, a fascinating 1880’s English village with daily tours, historic lodging facilities, great craft shopping and year-round events. Old Stearns with its coal mining history, where the Big South Fork Scenic Railroad leaves for the Blue heron Outdoor historical museum…Highland Manor, Tennessee’s oldest winery…Muddy Pond Mennonite Community where some folks still live the old ways… Charit Creek Lodge where hikers are welcomed with oil lamps and woodstoves, to our home grown Grand Vista Hotel, where 21 st Century visitors will find electricity and running water, with a full hot breakfast and high speed internet thrown in to boot.

Learn about our famous ancestors at historic places like the Sgt. Alvin York Gristmill, home place of one of America’s most decorated heroes, Mark Twain Park and the Cordell Hull Birthplace museum. O yes, and dozens of festivals, pilgrimages, celebrations and Pow-wows take place all year long. Join us for sorghum making at Muddy Pont…for the Pumpkin Festival at German-founded Allardt…the annual Spring Music and Crafts Festival at Historic Rugby…Christmas in the Mountains at Frozen Head…the Story Telling Festival at Big South Fork Park or Old-timers Day at Pickett Park.

Discover our special lodging places for a night or a week. From familiar national chains to warm family motels…from historic B&B’s to rustic cabins and intimate cottages, all of our overnight spots are locally owned and operated. Here in the Big South Fork, every host has a story to tell, and every night is filled with the sounds of nature.

Come share our less hectic way of life. All our porches have rockers, many of our trails are gentle and lined with wildflowers, and our roads are just right for slow touring by car or by cycle. We even have a world class General Aviation Airport (KSCX—Scott County/Oneida, Tennessee) that welcomes visiting pilots and their families with a breathtaking view of the River Gorge that awaits them just as soon as they can get unpacked.

Just remember…don’t tell too many friends back home what a great time you had in Big South for Country…or we won’t be a secret for very much longer.