The free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries pass through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range of natural and historic features. The area offers a broad range of recreational opportunities including camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with its experience in managing river basins, was charged with land acquisition, planning and development of facilities. Now completed, these lands and facilities are operated and maintained by the National Park Service for the benefit and use of the public.

 
 
The key to understanding this park of 123,000 acres in the Cumberland Plateau is in its sandstone geology, and in its water. The 600 foot gorge carving through the heartland of the Big South Fork cradles the ever changing river. On a calm day you will see green to blue-green water flowing lazily towards Kentucky. On a rainy spring or summer day the river will turn to its other face of a torrent of muddy soil and rock eroding the bottom gorge landscape ever deeper. With all of the years of natural erosion, the seasons have left the Big South Fork a land of plateaus cut by tributaries that lead to the gorge. These plateaus are rich with natural arches, chimneys, rock shelters, and 100 foot waterfalls.
Some of the most outstanding sites that you would want to see are the Twin Arches, Yahoo Falls, the Chimneys on Station Camp Road, East Rim Overlook, and Charit Creek Lodge. The historic Big South Fork Train in Stearns, KY is a delightful way to experience the area-plan on a three hour trip through some very beautiful country (1-800-462-5664). Off the train, be sure to wear good hiking shoes- most of what you will see in the park will require a one to two mile walk.

 Be sure to look up the history of human existence in this area which dates from the time of the Paleo-Indians. The geology is also very interesting. Gorge cliffs are a Rockcastle Conglomerate (sandstone, conglomerate, siltstone) date back to the Pennsylvanian Era of time.

 

Situated in a remote section of the upper Cumberland Mountains, the 11,752-acre Pickett State Park and Forest possesses a combination of scenic, botanical and geological wonders found nowhere else in Tennessee. Of particular interest are the uncommon rock formations, natural bridges, numerous caves and the remains of ancient Indian occupation. Some say Pickett is second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in botanical diversity. The park is adjacent to the massive Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, with more than 100,000 acres of prime country. The park is located in Pickett County, 12 miles northeast of Jamestown on State Route 154.

Pickett has many picnic sites with tables and grills surrounding Arch Lake. Restrooms and drinking fountains are provided. Three picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 50 persons are available for large family or other group use. Picnic shelters can be reserved by calling the park office.

Pickett's beautiful, cliff-lined sandy swimming beach is one of the most picturesque in the South. The beach is served by a bathhouse. Swimming is available during summer months with lifeguards on duty.

More than 58 miles of hiking trails meander through the wilds of Pickett. Many are lined with thick groves of rhododendron and afford views of majestic forests, caves, natural bridges, waterfalls and sheer rock bluffs. Trail maps and other literature are available at the park office.

 
 

Year-round fishing is available at Pickett's delightful, 15-acre Arch Lake. Fishermen need a trout stamp and a valid Tennessee fishing license for persons over 16 years of age. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent at the park boat dock. No personally owned boats or motors are permitted. Hunting is open at Pickett except in safety zones. Hunting seasons conform to all state rules and regulations. Visitors may also enjoy archery, ballfields, horseshoes, lighted tennis courts, volleyball, basketball court, playgrounds and scenic drives.

Pickett has a naturalist available during the summer months, conducting guided tours, demonstrations, campfire programs, movies, and other programs. The naturalist is available to answer visitor's questions about the natural and cultural history of the Pickett area.

In 1880, Rugby's British founder called it a lovely corner of God's earth. In this century, writers call it a town of cultured ghosts and Utopia. The National Trust calls it one of the most authentically preserved historic villages in America.

"The world watched in 1880 as famous British author, statesman and social reformer Thomas Hughes dedicated America's Rugby. It was to be a cooperative, class-free society where Britain's younger sons of gentry--and artisans, tradesman and farming families--could build a new community through agriculture, temperance and high Christian principles."

 

Rugby today is a heritage treasure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. In a rugged river gorge setting, little changed by 20th century technology, this would-be Utopia survives. More than twenty of its decorative, gabled buildings remain. Rugby's British and Appalachian heritage is visible everywhere.

When you visit stop at the old schoolhouse where exhibits trace a century of Rugby history. Tour Victorian buildings. Wander on river gorge trails built by 1880's colonists. Shop for unusual books and traditional handicrafts in historic settings.

The historic park includes the York family farm and the grist mill he operated for many years on the banks of the Wolf River.

The farm and grist mill are located on Highway 127, about seven miles north of Jamestown. The mill and farm are open April through October from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and in the spring and fall from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Other times by appointment only.

The Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, pays tribute to Sgt. Alvin C. York, the backwoods marksman from the mountains of Tennessee who became one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. York's fame rose from his legendary exploits on October 8, 1918 in the Argonne Forest in France. Leading a small patrol, York was sent out to eliminate flanking machine gun fire that was halting the advance of his regiment. York found himself alone opposing a German machine gun unit. With rifle and pistol he engaged the enemy. The fight ended with more than twenty Germans dead. Then, the other one hundred and thirty-two soldiers, including four officers and thirty-five machine guns, became discouraged and surrendered to York and six of his comrades. For that he was decorated with a dozen metals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre. He has been honored by a 10-foot statue on the grounds of the State Capitol in Nashville, and his medals and trophies may be seen at the Tennessee State Museum.