Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

WMA Overview

Size: 30300 acres
Location: McCreary
Contact: Kentucky Ranger Station: (606) 376-5073, Park Headquarters: (423) 569-9778
Elevation: minimum feet, maximum feet.
Entrance GPS coordinates: Latitude N 36.6970, Longitude W -84.4800
Area Habitat: open land 2.76%, forest 95.56%, wetland 0.12%, open water 1.56%.

Regulations

Open under statewide rules and regulations, except:

Rabbit and Quail Season: Open November 1 – December 31, 2025.

Grouse Season: Open October 1 – December 31, 2025.

Bear: Closed.

Elk Quota Hunting: Closed.

Coyote: Night hunting is prohibited

Directions & Description

US 27 south, then west on KY 92 to regional office in Stearns. Majority of area is in Tennessee and exceeds 55,000 acres. Extremely mountainous with steep cliffs, deep gorges. Camping, hiking near South Fork of Cumberland River; canoeing, fishing. Check with park staff about designated safety zones around high-use visitor facilities where hunting is not permitted. For map, additional information, contact Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN 37841; Owned by National Park Service.