Trail Maintenance Underway Near Sand Cave
Crews are using Ridge Trail from Hensley to Sand Cave Trail to complete trail work. Trails remain open; some sections may be muddy or messy.
Official NPS sourceSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
Kentucky Travel.
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 3:09:53 PM Eastern
Travel Alerts & Closures
CHECK BEFORE DEPARTUREBig South Fork Announces Temporary Closure of Blue Heron Tipple Bridge
Big South Fork NRRA has announced the temporary closure of the historic Blue Heron Tipple Bridge, effective immediately in the interest of visitor safety. A recent bridge safety inspection conducted by the Federal Highway Administration identified structural issues specific to the pier’s bridge decking which is now leaning beyond acceptable standards.
Official NPS sourceFort Donelson NB Park Fall Hours
Visitor Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Lands: Pedestrian Access is from sunrise to sunset. Automobile Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Roads 8:00 am – 6:00 p.m. daily.
Official NPS sourceTemporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
The Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
Official NPS sourceElevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service
Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
Official NPS sourceGreen River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service
The Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000
Official NPS sourceTickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave
Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
Official NPS sourceThe Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
Official NPS sourceFirewood ban is in effect for the park.
Firewood ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress, in Tennessee, and McCreary in Kentucky, can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood.
Official NPS sourceBlack Bears at Big South Fork
Black bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
Official NPS sourceOfficial conditions for each destination
Latest NPS News
Browse the archiveCumberland Gap Announces Rare Tour for 30th Anniversary of Cumberland Gap Tunnel
From October 16 to 18, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel by offering visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes experience.
Official NPS sourceBlue Heron Campground Will Remain Open During 2026-2027 Winter Season
Big South Fork NRRA will leave open Blue Heron Campground, located in Kentucky this coming winter season. This pilot project will provide the park an opportunity to determine if there is sufficient winter demand to keep the campground open year-round.
Official NPS sourceBig South Fork NRRA Opens Business Opportunity to Manage Charit Creek Lodge
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is offering a 10-year concession contract for the Charit Creek Lodge. Through Oct. 20, the National Park Service is accepting business proposals to operate rustic lodging, food and beverage, alcoholic beverages, retail and stabling at Charit Creek Lodge.
Official NPS sourceNational Park Service and the University of Tennessee Announce New Partnership
The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and three local NPS units to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of outdoor recreation and public land management.
Official NPS sourceAbraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park Hosts Sean of the South as Part of Freedom 250 Commemoration
As the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to explore the enduring ideals of liberty, equality and self-government through its Freedom 250 Connections event series. On Saturday, Sept. 26, nationally acclaimed writer and performer Sean Dietrich, better known as "Sean of the South," will bring those themes to life through an evening of music, storytelling and humor. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT at the park's Birthplace Unit.
Official NPS sourceBig South Fork Invites Vendors to Participate in 2026 Storytelling Festival
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area invites craft vendors, artisans and food vendors to take part in the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival on Sept. 19. This annual signature special event celebrates the traditions, stories, music, arts, crafts and food of the Cumberland Plateau.
Official NPS sourceYouth Can Make Connections to 250th Anniversary Commemoration Through Building America Challenge
As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park invites visitors to connect with the national commemoration through “Connections” events. One event in the series, the Building America challenge, invites youth to explore the people, places, ideas and innovations that have shaped the nation through creativity and brick-building.
Official NPS sourceBig South Fork’s Brewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for Repair
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will temporarily close for repair and re-pavement beginning on Monday, June 29th. The road was heavily damaged from significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Official NPS sourceAbraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park to Host Naturalization Ceremony on Independence Day
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park will host a special naturalization ceremony on July 4 at 11 a.m. EST as part of the park’s commemoration of Freedom250, the nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Official NPS sourceFort Donelson National Battlefield Moves Forward with Visitor Center
The National Park Service will resume rehabilitation of the Fort Donelson Visitor Center this summer, advancing efforts to improve accessibility, safety and visitor services at Fort Donelson National Battlefield while preserving one of the park’s most historically significant buildings.
Official NPS sourceCelebrate the Tradition of Decoration Day at Big South Fork with Cemetery Quest Event
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area will celebrate the deeply rooted tradition of Decoration Day on the Cumberland Plateau with its sixth annual Cemetery Quest event. The event begins at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 2 at Bandy Creek Visitor Center. Following a guided booklet, participants can visit cemeteries throughout the region in search of site-specific information.
Official NPS sourceMusic, Demonstrations and Guided Bird Walk Highlight the 26th Annual Spring Planting Festival Schedule
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will feature a full day of music, historic demonstrations and Appalachian traditions for the 26th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day for those who prefer not to walk between festival locations.
Official NPS sourceBrewster Bridge Road to Temporarily Close for Repair in May
Brewster Bridge Road in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be temporarily closed for repair and repavement from May to mid-summer. The road was heavily damaged during significant rain events in 2022 and 2023.
Official NPS sourceBig South Fork NRRA Hosts River Cleanup, April 11, 2026
On April 11, Big South Fork NRRA will host a river-based cleanup in partnership with Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning and East Tennessee Whitewater Club. The park will determine which section of stream to paddle based on river flow levels and other factors.
Official NPS sourceThe Public is Invited to the Annual Big South Fork and Obed Science Meeting on April 8, 2026
The National Park Service will host an annual public science meeting at Historic Rugby Visitor Center, in Rugby, Tennessee. The public is invited to spend the day with scientists who have been conducting research at Obed Wild and Scenic River, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and other areas on the Cumberland Plateau.
Official NPS sourceBig South Fork NRRA to Welcome New United States Citizens in 2026
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are proud to partner in hosting an official naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026, where 150 individuals will take the oath of citizenship.
Official NPS sourceMammoth Cave National Park Conducts Sobriety and Safety Checkpoints
Mammoth Cave National Park law enforcement officers will conduct periodic sobriety and safety checkpoints on park roads and riverways throughout the remainder of 2026.
Official NPS sourceGreen River Ferry Reopens in Mammoth Cave National Park
The Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park will reopen March 5 and resume daily operations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
Official NPS sourceUpcoming NPS Events
NEXT 90 DAYSHensley Settlement Tours
Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn. Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
Official NPS sourceHensley Settlement Tours
Step back in time with park staff as you explore the Hensley Settlement, a preserved early 20th-century Appalachian community perched atop Cumberland Mountain in Kentucky. Wander along fence-lined lanes, peek inside the springhouse, and experience the charm of the one-room schoolhouse, where children once learned by lantern light. During the tour, your guide will take you into several buildings, including cabins, blacksmith shop, and barn. Established in 1903 by Sherman Hensley, the settlement remained occupied until 1947. With Sherman remaining by himself until 1951. Today, its historic buildings and breathtaking views provide a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
Official NPS sourceTextiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Official NPS sourceCoopering Crafting Barrels
Experience the centuries-old tradition of coopering, where skilled craftspeople shape and assemble wooden barrels and casks using time-honored tools and techniques, bringing this essential historic trade to life through live demonstration.
Official NPS sourceTextiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Official NPS sourceTextiles Talk
Stop by and discover the rich heritage of textile traditions through spinning, weaving, and old-world fabric making from the 18th and 19th centuries, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations and timeless craftsmanship.
Official NPS sourcePinnacle Talks
*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:a33d3e72-d13d-4a0d-8cfc-b79574ba3713-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Come meet a ranger at the Pinnacle Overlook for a breathtaking view and a deeper look into the history of the Cumberland Gap. Drop by anytime during the program to hear fascinating stories and gain a better understanding of what you’re seeing from this remarkable vantage point.
Official NPS sourceBattlefield Tour
Walk on the battlefield with a ranger to discover more about the events of the battle. Terrain is hilly with fields and woods. Prepare like a ranger by bringing water, insect repellant, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Official NPS sourceHensley Settlement Tour
Travel to the top of Cumberland Mountain with park staff and explore a place where families once lived, worked, learned, and built a community. Step inside historic cabins and other preserved buildings while discovering stories of daily life at this early 20th-century Appalachian settlement.
Official NPS sourceCritter Corner at Rugby
Join Us Saturdays and Sundays in October at the Historic Rugby Visitor Center for 'Critter Corner'! From 9 AM to 5 PM ET on Saturdays and Noon to 5 PM on Sundays families can explore animal pelts and skulls, browse nature books, enjoy coloring pages, and chat with a ranger about the critters of Big South Fork.
Official NPS sourceDaytime Night Sky Program
Come and explore the wonders of the sky - even during the day! Come to the park and participate in a hands-on activity that reveals the science, stories, and sights above us. Program is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
Official NPS sourceWives' Tales and Witchery of Appalachia
We will talk through local family lore, tall tales and legends of Cumberland Gap and Gap Cave, Appalachian superstitions and traditions and where they came from. This is an interactive program where the audience will also share stories that parallel our topics.
Official NPS sourceNational Parks & Federal Sites
9 DESTINATIONSNational Historic Trail
Trail Of Tears
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.
Alabama · Arkansas · Georgia · Illinois · Kentucky · Missouri · North Carolina · Oklahoma · TennesseeNational Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Dakota · Washington · West VirginiaNational Historical Park
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. His early life on Kentucky's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War. Visit our country's first memorial to Lincoln, built with donations from young and old, and the site of his childhood home.
KentuckyNational River & Recreation Area
Big South Fork
Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area protects the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries. The area boasts miles of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, is rich with natural and historic features and has been developed to provide visitors with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Kentucky · TennesseeNational Monument
Camp Nelson
The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their families. It served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved people hoping to secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery.
KentuckyNational Historical Park
Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap was the first great gateway to the west. Come follow the path of bison, Native Americans, longhunters, and pioneers. Walk where 300,000 people crossed the Appalachians to settle America. Explore 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres of wilderness. Stand in 3 states at once. Explore a cave, see Hensley Settlement, or camp under the stars. Come find your connection to Cumberland Gap.
Kentucky · Tennessee · VirginiaNational Battlefield
Fort Donelson
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donelson elated the North, and stunned the South. Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. Grant and his troops had created a pathway to victory for the Union.
Kentucky · TennesseeNational Park
Mammoth Cave
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.
KentuckyNational Monument
Mill Springs Battlefield
The US won a significant victory early in the Civil War at the Battle of Mill Springs. Explore the rolling fields of Kentucky where the battle took place and learn about that state's strategic importance to both sides of the fight.
KentuckyDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory
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