National Park Week

Love national parks? There's a holiday for that! Join us for National Park Week, a nine-day celebration of everything "parks". Not just about more than 400 national parks nationwide of different shapes, sizes, and types. Also discover what the National Park Service does......More

Love national parks? There's a holiday for that! Join us for National Park Week, a nine-day celebration of everything "parks". Not just about more than 400 national parks nationwide of different shapes, sizes, and types. Also discover what the National Park Service does through our programs and partners to preserve natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities in places across the country—and even the world!National Park Service parks, programs, and partners will host events and activities all week! Follow National Park Week on social media and join the fun all week using #NationalParkWeek. 

Big South Fork NRRA to Welcome New Citizens during National Park Week

In honor of this year's National Park Week, the National Park Service and the Unites States Citizenship and Immigration Service are partnering to hold a Naturalization Ceremony at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.New citizens will take the "Oath of Alle......More

In honor of this year's National Park Week, the National Park Service and the Unites States Citizenship and Immigration Service are partnering to hold a Naturalization Ceremony at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.New citizens will take the "Oath of Allegiance" and receive their United States citizenship. The Honorable Judge Suzanne Bauknight presiding and colors presented by the Alvin C. York Institute.The public is invited and encouraged to attend this impactful and stirring ceremony.

The outdoor court proceeding will be held at Bandy Creek Visitor Center.

Birding Walk with Dr. Nicholson

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a birding walk with Dr. Charles P. Nicholson. Dr. Nicholson has over 35 years of birding experience on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, including the Big South Fork area. He is an active member of the Tenne......More

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announces a birding walk with Dr. Charles P. Nicholson. Dr. Nicholson has over 35 years of birding experience on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, including the Big South Fork area. He is an active member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society and has served as president and editor of its journal.Dr. Nicholson studied birds for his PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology and is the author of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Tennessee, the comprehensive source book on the distribution and biology of the birds nesting in this state. He has also taught a course in birdwatching in the University of Tennessee non-credit program for several years and led numerous birding field trips.

Participants will meet at Bandy Creek Campground swimming pool at 8:00 AM

24th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival

Join us for the 24 annual Spring Planting and Music Festival as we celebrate the springtime traditions of the Cumberland Plateau. During the festival, crafter's demonstrate forgotten arts, such as blacksmithing, basket making, hand spinning, weaving, woodcarving, chair ......More

Join us for the 24 annual Spring Planting and Music Festival as we celebrate the springtime traditions of the Cumberland Plateau. During the festival, crafter's demonstrate forgotten arts, such as blacksmithing, basket making, hand spinning, weaving, woodcarving, chair caning, soap making, garden herb lore and use, and paling fence making.In addition, there will be children’s activities, interpretative talks, fun runs, bird watching and wildflower guided walks, vendors demonstrating and selling their wares, and food sales.There are displays of women's life, antique farm tools, farm animals and old-time toys which will delight young and old alike.Toe-tapping tunes of mountain music are performed throughout the area by various local groups such as the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club.Of special interest is the plowing and planting with mules and horses which takes place at the Lora Blevins field. Other demonstrations will take place at the Oscar Blevins Farm Site as well.

The event is held in the Bandy Creek area of the park off HWY 297.