Papaw in the Woods (Randy Neal)

I have lived in the Big South Fork area my whole life, even before there was a Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. As a child my Dad took my brother and me camping, fishing and hunting all over the Kentucky and the Northern Tennessee sections. As a teenager I would drive to camping areas or tie my gear to a dirtbike  and go into the backcountry. With the formation of the park and all motorized vehicles banned, I started hiking. I have hiked a great number of the trails in the park with many more on my "to do"  list. I have yet to be disappointed with any hike. In the Big South Fork there are unnamed rock formations, waterfalls, overlooks, etc. many without developed trails to them. The feel of discovery is there for adventurous backpackers. You will encounter few, if any other hikers in the backcountry. If you want solitude and adventure, along with the rugged beauty of nature, the BSF is for you... Need advise about a trip? e-mail me, maybe I can help.