Vacation rentals in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a massive outdoor playground consisting of rivers, lakes, forests, and caves. The area spans through northeastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky, encompassing a total of 125,000 acres. The recreation area bursts with natural beauty and is home to a variety of natural attractions, walking trails, waterfalls, hiking areas, rock formations, caverns, and more! It’s a fantastic year-round vacation destination option for families, outdoor lovers, and fishing enthusiasts.

Enjoy the ultimate outdoor getaway in Big South Fork with a vacation rental set in nature. There is a wide range of rentals to choose from with something for every type of traveler. Opt for an oversized, wooden-framed rental with a jacuzzi and a fireplace, where the whole family can spend some quality time together during the colder months. Couples can opt for a cozy, rustic rental during a romantic getaway together. Although rentals in Big South Fork are situated deep in nature, you won’t have to sacrifice any modern comforts. The vast majority of rentals in this area are equipped with high-speed internet, sleek appliances, heating, air-conditioning, and washing machines. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

If you’ll be flying into the area, the closest airport is the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. This airport only offers domestic flights. Nashville International Airport is the nearest major airport and is around two and a half hours away from Big South Fork. Car rental companies are available in Nashville.

Big South Fork spans a massive area so having a private car will be crucial throughout your stay. Many of the major points of interest around the area are quite spread out and require a bit of driving time to be reached. However, you’ll be able to squeeze plenty of physical activity into your trip since most of the attractions require hiking, walking, biking, swimming, or boating to be fully enjoyed and discovered.

Big South Fork Cumberland River is a popular area among fishing enthusiasts with over 138 miles of fishing streams. Here you’ll find over 90 species of fish including bass, trout, catfish, pan fish, walleye, musky, and more. Be sure to carry your Tennessee fishing license on you at all times while you’re fishing throughout the recreational area.

Big South Fork is the perfect place for families to spend some quality time together in the great outdoors. A popular way to discover the area is on horseback via nearly 212 miles of equestrian riding trails throughout the park. You can rent horses or purchase horseback riding tours from a variety of nearby stables, including Brandy Creek Stables, Station Horse Camp, and Bear Creek Horse Camp. Horseback rides are suitable for all age levels, even young children who can share a horse with adults, making this the perfect family activity for visitors in Big South Fork!

Twin Arches is an easy and popular hike in Big South Fork featuring two enormous and stunning natural rock arches. You can reach the arches in less than a mile while hiking along a flat, open trail, or you can also take the stairs. The scenery here is beautiful!

This lush forest park is home to a crystal clear 12-acre lake and plenty of hiking trails. Head here for a day of kayaking, hiking, and swimming in the summer months. There are a few rock formations and caves you can explore as well.

Surrounding the northern portion of Big South Fork is Daniel Boone National Forest. This massive national forest offers a variety of activities and attractions for all types of travelers. Go swimming, boating, tubing, and kayaking during the summer months. You can also choose from a variety of hiking trails depending on your skill level and visit numerous waterfalls as well.

If history interests you, a visit here is a must. This old coal mine allows you to take a step back in time with artifacts and recreated houses of the old mining comminity. You can take a self-guided tour of the place and explore the nearby nature trails as well.

Big South Fork is known for its spectacular sunsets. There are numerous overlooks throughout the area where you can catch the sun melting below the horizon every evening. Sunset Overlook, Bronco Overlook, and East Rim Overlook are some of the best places to catch a view of the sky at any time, but particularly for sunrise and sunset.