Pickett County
Black Bears at Big South Fork
Black bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
Firewood ban is in effect for the park.
Firewood ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress, in Tennessee, and McCreary in Kentucky, can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood.
The Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
Temporary Closure of Kentucky Trail Between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road April 12-14
Fire crews will be conducting prescribed fire operations within Big South Fork NRRA, April 12-14, between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road.
TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON CAMPFIRES IN THE BACKCOUNTRY IN EFFECT
Due to drought conditions, there is a temporary restriction on campfires in the backcountry. Use of backpacking stoves that utilize pre-packaged compressed gas canisters is still permitted. Carry extra water as springs may be running low or dry.
Coronavirus Update 3-30-20
Changes in park operations to protect park visitors and employees from the coronavirus pandemic: All visitor centers, campgrounds, and Leatherwood Ford Day Use Area are closed. Park gates, trails, and roads are currently open. Stay tuned for updates.
Big South Fork Visitor Centers Remain Closed
All Big South Fork visitor centers remain closed until further notice.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice
No entry will be allowed into the park, except for employees, residents, and other authorized persons. Through traffic is permitted.
Closure of Big Creek Road for Necessary Repairs Beginning October 5
Big Creek Road will be temporarily closed for necessary repairs to a section of embankment and roadway. Included in this closure are the road, boat launch, picnic area and Sheltowee Trace Trailhead. Repairs are estimated to be complete by October 31.
O&W Bridge Closed for Routine Inspection October 5
Tennessee Dept. of Transportation will inspect the historic bridge on October 5. The bridge will be closed to vehicles 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET), but accessible by foot traffic if/when it is safe to do so.
Road Work Along Highway 297 to Resume June 8, 2022
Repairs to Highway 297 at Big South Fork will resume June 8, with crews milling/paving the Cumberland River Bridge and sections of Highway 297 within the park boundaries. Work is scheduled to take place Monday thru Friday, expect minimal traffic delays.
Temporary Closure of John Muir Trail Bridge at Station Camp Creek
Effective January 13, 2022, the trail bridge on John Muir Trail/Sheltowee Trace Trail that crosses Station Camp Creek will be temporarily closed for repairs.
Bandy Creek Pool Closed for Staff Training June 9, 2023
Bandy Creek Pool will be closed Friday, June 9, 2023. Lifeguards will be participating in mandatory training during that time. The pool will reopen Saturday, June 10.
All Open Fires Prohibited Due to Very Dry Conditions
Due to the extremely dry conditions currently being experienced, park officials have determined that it is necessary to prohibit the use of all open fires and activities, which unduly increase fire danger.
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Closed
Bandy Creek Visitor Center is closed today, January 19, due to hazardous weather conditions. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected throughout today.
Temporary Trail Closure During Ongoing Storm Recovery
Work crews at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area have cleared all roads and most trails of hazardous trees from the major weather event on May 26. Due to safety concerns, some trails are still closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed Due to Inclement Weather
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed February 20, 2025, Due to Inclement Weather
Temporary Partial Closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for Rehabilitation
The Twin Arches Loop Trail will undergo partial closures for stair and ladder rehabilitation. One side of the loop will close at a time, but access to the Twin Arches will remain open via an out-and-back hike.
Red River Gorge, Indian Creek winter road closures
We've closed the following Red River Gorge Geological Area and Indian Creek roads to motorized use to protect them from damage during the winter recreation season.
Seasonal road openings, Sept 5-Jan 19
The following roads will open to licensed motor vehicle use September 5, 2025, and remain open until January 19, 2026. Morehead/Cave Run Lake Area:
London Office cash/check sales only due to network issues
Due to network issues, the London Ranger District Office can only process cash or check payments at this time.
No visitor services at Supervisor's Office in Winchester, KY
Until further notice, visitor services at the USDA Forest Service office front desk in Winchester, KY, are unavailable. All other Daniel Boone National Forest offices remain open and will continue to provide visitor services during their standard hours.
Area Closure due to tornado damage
Occupying or using any portion of the tornado damaged National Forest System lands in Pulaski and Laurel Counties, including roads and hiking trails, is prohibited.
Trees down, potential trail/road impacts forestwide
Forest Service crews are working to evaluate and clear trails and roads across the Forest impacted by recent severe weather events. We anticipate some amount of blowdown on all Forest trails.
Cliffside Trail #519 Closure
Cliffside Trail #519 between Noes Boat Ramp and Sawyer Boat Ramp is temporarily closed due to downed trees and trail damage.
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail Closure, Bridge Removed
Extensive storm damage remains on a portion of the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. Currently, the trail is closed between the two trailheads. The lower trailhead and parking area closest to the falls, remains open for use and is passable to the falls.
Hawk Creek, Sinking Creek trail bridges impassable
The Hawk Creek and Sinking Creek suspension bridges, which connect portions of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail near London, KY, are impassable due to storm damage. Hikers will need to wade through the creeks to continue along the trail.
Indian Creek Rd 9A Closure (Red River Gorge)
Indian Creek Road 9A is closed to motor vehicles past the Powder Mill Trailhead (approximately 1 mile from the start of the road). Beyond Powder Mill Trailhead, the road is open to non-motorized uses such as pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Red River Gorge Suspension Bridge Impassable
The suspension footbridge near KY 715 in the Red River Gorge that connects the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail across the Red River has been damaged by a falling tree. Visitors should not attempt to use the bridge and should plan their recreation activities accordingly.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations at Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky is prohibited.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling within 300 feet of Sky Bridge, Gray’s Arch, Nada Tunnel, or Chimney Top Rock overlooks is prohibited.
Non-Motorized Fishing Area Restrictions
The use of use of gasoline or diesel-powered motorcraft in non-motorized fishing areas of Cave Run Lake, Carrington Lake, Rebel Trace Lake, Clear Creek Lake, and specified portions of Ramey Creek and Scott Creek is prohibited.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing, rappelling, or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations in the Natural Arch Scenic Area and Three Forks of Beaver Overlook is prohibited.
Wildcat Branch Closure
Going into or upon National Forest System lands of Wildcat Branch, within the Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky, is prohibited.
Prohibited Entry into Special Areas
Entry into areas closed for the protection of endangered, threatened, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds, or fish around Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake is prohibited.
Metal Detecting Prohibitions
The use of metal detectors, electronic apparatuses, or any other devices for the purpose of locating any metal object without a valid permit is prohibited.
Commercial Hauling Prohibitions
Using a Forest Service System Road for commercial hauling without first obtaining a permit or authorization is prohibited.
Cave Run Lake Trails Restrictions
1) All cross country travel by horses, pack animals, or other livestock within the described area in the Cave Run Lake Trail Guide; 2) leading, using or possessing a saddle or pack animal within the twelve horse trail segments from December 15 to May 15; and 3) non-designated use of the twenty-on
Cave Run Lake, Highway 801 Hunting/Shooting Prohibitions
Hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited between Kentucky Highway 801 South and Cave Run Lake from the Fern Bluff recreation area to Warix Run Boat Ramp, including the waters of Scott Creek Bay east of the idle speed buoy line between Scott Creek Boat Ramp and Twin Knobs Boat Ramp.
Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area Closure
1) All entry; 2) discharging a firearm; and 3) hunting, fishing and trapping are prohibited in the described area.
Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area Camping Prohibition
Except for designated sites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 918 in the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area is prohibited.
White Sulphur OHV Trail System
1) Motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from sunset to sunrise from May 1st to November 30th; 2) Non-motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1st to November 30th; 3) Overnight camping within 300 feet of the edge of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1s
Beaver Creek Wilderness Prohibitions
Within Beaver Creek Wilderness, possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted through a special use permit is prohibited.
Jellico & Rock Creek Camping Prohibitions
Except for designated campsites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 492 and National Forest System Road 137 is prohibited.
Bee Rock Camping Prohibitions
Camping or maintaining any campsite or campsites within Bee Rock Recreation Area for more than 14 consecutive days is prohibited.
Laurel River Lake and Lake Cumberland Camping Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of the high water line of the portion of Upper Lake Cumberland, from the Mouth of Laurel Boat Ramp upstream on the Laurel River, and from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail to the administrative boundary between National Forest System and U.S.
Cave Run Lake Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake or within 300 feet of any road or trail leading to the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake is prohibited.
General Forest Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited in all areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest:
General Lake Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands containing Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake:
Wilderness Prohibitions
Entering or being part of a group of more than ten people and/or possessing or using a wagon, cart, bicycle or other vehicle are prohibited in Clifty Wilderness and Beaver Creek Wilderness.
Saddle and Pack Animal Prohibitions
Riding, hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions is prohibited.
Red River Gorge Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of any developed road or trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area or within 600 feet of Gray’s Arch is prohibited.
Stearns District Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of NFSR 492 and NFSR 137 except for designated campsites; 2) Entering into Railroad Tunnels 7, 8, and 9 located along the old Cincinnati-Southern Railroad; and 3) Possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted
Developed Recreation Area Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited within developed recreations areas:
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