Big South Fork National Recreation Area

Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Ranchers

It would be difficult to qualify an area encompassing 125,000 acres over portions of two states as a hidden gem, so I will simply say it was a gem unknown to us. It sits roughly in the middle of a triangle formed by Nashville, Lexington, and Knoxville within a three hour drive of each.

Big South Fork pretty much has it all for outdoor enthusiasts. From miles of hiking and mountain bike trails for all skill levels to white water rafting, horseback riding, mountain climbing, hunting, fishing, and camping, you can think of it as the less travelled version of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As an added bonus, Big South Fork also has a variety of campgrounds that can accommodate RV’s, unlike the Great Smokies.
Our day trip took us to the Blue Herron Interpretive Center. Although our intention was only to get out and hike, the interpretive center really grabbed our attention. The site is also known as Mine 18, and during its operational period several hundred people lived and worked in this remote and isolated coal mining camp.

In 1962, when the mine was no longer profitable, the entire town effectively ceased to exist, similar to so many western ghost towns. In 1980’s, the town was recreated as an outdoor museum with each building consisting of only its framing, referred to as a ghost structure. Within each ghost structure is a display depicting some element of life in the camp during its heyday. It’s really one of the most interesting museum designs I’ve ever seen and the fact it is outdoors makes it feel more like a nature stroll than a day in a museum.

Once we finished browsing the outdoor museum structures, we settled on the Blue Herron Loop Trail as one of several available options starting from the interpretive center.

I would recommend doing the loop counterclockwise. It’s a nice hike either way, not too steep with a pretty significant climb, but counterclockwise eases you into the hike rather than thrusts you into it. The trail is through heavily forested terrain for the duration, so it makes for a nice shaded hike.

The first part of the trail takes you along a ridgeline following near the river and past some of the old mining tunnels and interesting rock formations.

From there, there is a fairly steady, but not overly steep climb to reach the peak of the ridge until you eventually reach Devils Jump Overlook.

After enjoying some fantastic views of the river valley, you will continue along the ridge and eventually begin your descent. There is a short section of pretty steep stairs you will need to navigate before returning to the forest path.

Once you’ve completed the loop, if you haven’t taken the opportunity to walk across the trestle, now is definitely your opportunity. Not to worry, it is still rock steady after all of these years.