National Park Service

Park Superintendent, Reed E. Detring

It has been two years now since Big South Fork completed development of it’s first General Management Plan and we continue to move forward with the exciting and challenging task of implementing the changes which were outlined in the General Management Plan.

Implementation of the designated trail system as defined in the General Management Plan was a top priority last year, and will continue to be so for this year and for many years to come. We look forward to the well defined and integrated network of trails which will ultimately be realized at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA). 

As you enjoy the vast array of trails in Big South Fork NRRA this year, you will continue to notice that we are installing a new system of trail signing and blazing which will clearly define those types of trail use allowed on any of the designated trails within the park. What you will also discover is that we are beginning to install a new system of park bulletin boards not only at trailheads, but at river access points, parking areas and many other locations where park visitors may be stopping or entering Big South Fork NRRA.

With well over 300 miles of trails to sign and blaze, and over 100 identified bulletin board locations these projects will be a very time consuming task for park staff to complete. Please be patient.

The trail blazing and signing project, general trail maintenance, and even helping in one of the parks two visitor centers continues to provide excellent opportunities for individuals and organized groups to lend their assistance through our Volunteer in Parks program. If you are interested, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

Every spring and fall Big South Fork continues to host two major festivals, the Spring Planting Festival in late April and the Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival in late September. Both these events continue to grow in popularity and are fun, free, entertaining and educational ways to come and experience Big South Fork NRRA.

The staff of Big South Fork NRRA remains committed to the goals of resource protection and quality visitor service. Together with our many park partners and neighbors we will be striving to find realistic, innovative approaches to solving the challenges we face and meeting the goals we have set.

You are our valued guest, so please let us know if you have concerns or comments. We hope that you will explore the park, enjoy the area, have fun, and return often.

Reed E. Detring, Superintendent