Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

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Wed, 3 October, 2012

We slept late and then took our time over breakfast. It was nice to have electricity, every cup of coffee was hot this morning, and we got to use the microwave. Today is sunny and clear, so welcome after the last 3 rainy days.

We stopped at a Walmart in Oneida for a few things on our list (we forgot the pressure regulator.) We left Oneida on Hwy 297 heading west toward Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. A few miles down the road is a sign warning of 13% grades, twisty roads, and hairpin turns. No kidding. The road runs steeply down to the Big South Fork River then back up to the plateau with sharp hairpin turns on both the downhill and uphill sides. Kerry had some gluteal clenching going on, but did quite well and there were only about 3 miles of that. We were happy to get to the campground at Bandy Creek and get set up. We love that ½ price camping in national parks, we paid $22 for 2 nights. I got a patch and a stamp at the visitor center along with recommendations for easy hikes for tomorrow. There are a lot of horse people here, the stables are nearby and there are apparently riding trails galore.

Thurs, 4 October

Another casual morning, how nice. We finally got moving and went back down the steep, winding road to the bridge over the river and to the first viewing area. I took 3 pictures and my camera batteries died. I had bought new batteries, but forgot to put them in the truck, so we went back up the steep, winding road to the campground for them. Then it was back down the steep, winding road, across the bridge, up the steep, winding road on the other side to the East Rim Overlook. A short hike to fabulous views of the river and the gorge, and we could hear the water dancing through the rapids even though we were 500’ above the river. From there we went back to the bridge and took another path, the Angel Falls Rapids Trail, a short way along the river. The rapids are 2 miles up the trail, too far for me, but we enjoyed our short hike through the beautiful forest with the sound of the river nearby.

The fall colors are just starting to show, it’s actually more colorful in the campground than along the river. Tomorrow we’ll go west out of the park before heading south for Chattanooga.

By the way, this blog shows our location as Cumberland Gap, but that's incorrect. We are on the Cumberland Plateau.

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Photos

Big South Fork River
from Hwy 297 bridge

Big South Fork River
Hwy 297 bridge crossing in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork River
looking downriver

Big South Fork River and gorge
from East Rim Overlook, 500' above river

BSFNRRA
from East Rim Overlook

Pine cones
above Big South Fork River

Tree Stump
along Big South Fork River

Big South Fork River
from Angel Falls Rapids Trail

Angel Falls Rapids Trail
in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Along the trail
Angel Falls Rapids Trail

Comments

[peggy]

wonderful pics, looks like a bit of heaven to me!!!!!

[Pat]

Photos
Love the photo of Angel Falls Rapids Trail! Have fun and be safe! Love & Miss you both!!!