| River
Park is surrounded by some of the
most awe-inspiring lands in the world, with
pristine forests that still remain just as
they were when pioneers like Daniel Boone
first explored them. Big South Fork National
River and Recreation Area – land that
will never change – encompasses 125,000
acres of heavily forested, often rough terrain
that offers multiple opportunities for adventure.
Unlike more well-known parks in the Carolinas,
the Big South Fork is seldom crowded and
it’s easy to imagine sharing the forest
with the Cherokee or Shawnee hunters who
once prowled them. The river itself cuts
a 600-foot gorge through the plateau with
more than 80 miles of navigable river offering
everything from whitewater rapids suitable
only for expert paddlers to slow glides
through gorgeous terrain perfect for a lazy
summer afternoon.
Back ashore, more than 180 miles of marked
trails beckon hikers, horseback riders and
mountain bikers with either family-oriented
fun or challenging escapades. Marked equestrian
paths offer both easy trails over flat terrain
or steep challenging climbs for highly skilled
riders.All trails are designed in segments
so they can be a short easy trip or a longer,
more arduous multi-day adventure.
And if, with remarkable dedication and
commitment, you manage to explore all of
the Big South Fork, another dozen state
parks are located nearby with more rivers
to raft, gorges to climb and trails to discover.
Anyone who loves the outdoors will never
be bored on the Cumberland Plateau! |
