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Horse Trails At Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

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Published Date

February 23, 2016

More than 200 miles of trails await horseback riders at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area/NPS

Though the river is the main attraction of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, horseback riding is a very popular way to explore and enjoy the landscape.

For those who prefer to explore the national river and recreation area from a saddle, there are more than 200 miles of horse trails winding through the park. These trails are signed and marked with a red blaze. They vary in both length and degree of difficulty, ranging from short, easy day rides to long and strenuous loops that could take several days to complete.

Due to the extensive network of trails, horseback riders are advised to purchase a Trails Illustrated map from either of the park visitor centers, Eastern National, or a park concessionaire or local area businesses.

Big South Fork has developed a trail map depicting the authorized trail network as it currently exists on the ground. This particular map is available for download from the park’s website as a single PDF file containing an index map and nine additional map sections, or as separate downloads of the index map and separate map sections. Riders are also invited to visit the park’s itinerary page to download maps of the most popular routes.

Horseback riding related facilities located in Big South Fork include:

  • Bandy Creek Stables, a concessions managed stables available for those who wish to board their horse while camping at he adjacent Bandy Creek Campground. Providing an easy connection to the area's extensive trail system, Bandy Creek Stables offers facilities for stall rental and long term boarding of horses. For further information, please contact the Bandy Creek Stables, 1845 Old Sunbright Road, 38556 or phone 423-286-7433.
  • Station Camp Horse Camp is operated by a National Park Service Concessionaire. Campsites provide water and electrical hookups, tie outs for four horses, restrooms with showers and a dump station. For additional information visit horse camps. Contact information will be updated soon.
  • Bear Creek Horse Camp is now operated by the National Park Service. Campsites provide water and electrical hookups, tie outs for up to four horses per site, restrooms with hot water showers and a dump station. Information on how to reserve a campsite will be posted soon.
  • Charit Creek Lodge, located in the Station Camp Creek drainage offers a full range of amenities including cabin and dormitory rentals, meals, restrooms and showers. Access to the remote lodge is by foot, bike or horse only. Stalls are available and riders are encouraged to book reservations well in advance. For further information visit Charit Creek online or call (865) 696-5611.

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